CASES FOR ORAL RECITATION TRUSTEE

Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT Manila FIRST DIVISION G.R. No. 58010. March 31, 1993. EMILIA O'LACO an !"CO L"NA# petitione$s# %s& VALENTIN CO C!O C!IT# O LA' (IA an CO"RT OF APPEALS# $espon ents& Se$)io L& *ua i+ fo$ petitione$s& No$be$to , & -uisu.bin) / Associates fo$ p$i%ate $espon ents& S'LLA0"S 1& REMEDIAL LA23 CIVIL PROCED"RE3 ACTIONS3 CONDITION PRECEDENT TO FILIN* OF S"IT 0ET2EEN MEM0ERS OF T!E SAME FAMIL'3 EFFECT OF FAIL"RE TO COMPL' 2IT! CONDITION& 4 A .itte l5# the p$esent action is bet6een .e.be$s of the sa.e fa.il5 since petitione$ E.ilia O'Laco an $espon ent O La5 (ia a$e half7siste$s& Conse8uentl5# the$e shoul be an a%e$.ent in the co.pliant that ea$nest effo$ts to6a$ a co.p$o.ise ha%e been .a e# pu$suant to A$t& 999 of the Ne6 Ci%il Co e# o$ a .otion to is.iss coul ha%e been file un e$ Sec& 1# pa$& :;<# Rule 1= of the Rules of Cou$t& Fo$# it is 6ell7settle that the atte.pt to co.p$o.ise as 6ell as the inabilit5 to succee is a con ition p$ece ent to the filin) of a suit bet6een .e.be$s of the sa.e fa.il5& !ence# the efect in the co.plaint is assailable at an5 sta)e of the p$ocee in)s# e%en on appeal# fo$ lac> of cause of action& 9& ID&3 ID&3 AMENDMENT TO COMPLAINT3 2!EN PROPER3 AMENDMENT TO CONFORM TO EVIDENCE& 4 Plaintiff .a5 be allo6e to a.en his co.plaint to co$$ect the efect if the a.en .ent oes not actuall5 confe$ ;u$is iction on the cou$t in 6hich the action is file # i&e&# if the cause of action 6as o$i)inall5 6ithin that cou$t's ;u$is iction& In such case# the a.en .ent is onl5 to cu$e the pe$cei%e efect in the co.plaint# thus .a5 be allo6e & In the case befo$e "s# 6hile $espon ent7spouses i not fo$.all5 a.en thei$ co.plaint# the5 6e$e nonetheless allo6e to int$o uce e%i ence pu$po$tin) to sho6 that ea$nest effo$ts to6a$ a co.p$o.ise ha been .a e# that is# $espon ent O La5 (ia i.po$tune E.ilia O'Laco an p$esse he$ fo$ the t$ansfe$ of the title of the O$o8uieta p$ope$t5 in the na.e of spouses O La5 (ia an Valentin Co Cho Chit# ;ust befo$e E.ilia's .a$$ia)e to !u)o Luna& 0ut# instea of t$ansfe$$in) the title as $e8ueste # E.ilia sol the p$ope$t5 to the Ro.an Catholic A$chbishop of Manila& This testi.on5 6as not ob;ecte to b5 petitione$7spouses& !ence# the co.plaint 6as ee.e acco$ in)l5 a.en e to confo$. to the e%i ence# pu$suant to Sec& ?# Rule 1@ of the Rules of Cou$t 6hich $ea s 4 ASec& ?& A.en .ent to confo$. to o$ autho$i+e p$esentation of e%i ence& 4 2hen issues not $aise b5 the plea in)s a$e t$ie b5 eBp$ess o$ i.plie consent of the pa$ties# the5 shall be t$eate in all $espects# as if the5 ha been $aise in the plea in)s & & &A In ee # if the efen ant pe$.its e%i ence to be int$o uce 6ithout ob;ection an 6hich supplies the necessa$5 alle)ations of a efecti%e co.plaint# then the e%i ence is ee.e to ha%e the effect of cu$in) the efects of the co.plaint& The insufficienc5 of the alle)ations in the co.plaint is ee.e ipso facto $ectifie &

C& CIVIL LA23 O0LI*ATIONS AND CONTRACTS3 TR"STS3 EDPRESS TR"ST3 DEFINED3 IMPLIED TR"ST3 DEFINED& 4 05 efinition# t$ust $elations bet6een pa$ties .a5 eithe$ be eBp$ess o$ i.plie & EBp$ess t$usts a$e those 6hich a$e c$eate b5 the i$ect an positi%e acts of the pa$ties# b5 so.e 6$itin) o$ ee # o$ 6ill# o$ b5 6o$ s e%incin) an intention to c$eate a t$ust& I.plie t$usts a$e those 6hich# 6ithout bein) eBp$ess# a$e e ucible f$o. the natu$e of the t$ansaction as .atte$s of intent# o$ 6hich a$e supe$in uce on the t$ansaction b5 ope$ation of la6 as .atte$s of e8uit5# in epen entl5 of the pa$ticula$ intention of the pa$ties& E& ID&3 ID&3 ID&3 IMPLIED TR"STS3 RES"LTIN* TR"ST3 0ASIS T!EREOF3 CONSTR"CTIVE TR"ST3 0ASIS T!EREOF& 4 I.plie t$ust .a5 eithe$ be $esultin) o$ const$ucti%e t$usts# both co.in) into bein) b5 ope$ation of la6& Resultin) t$usts a$e base on the e8uitable oct$ine that %aluable consi e$ation an not le)al title ete$.ines the e8uitable title o$ inte$est an a$e p$esu.e al6a5s to ha%e been conte.plate b5 the pa$ties& The5 a$ise f$o. the natu$e o$ ci$cu.stances of the consi e$ation in%ol%e in a t$ansaction 6he$eb5 one pe$son the$eb5 beco.es in%este 6ith le)al title but is obli)ate in e8uit5 to hol his le)al title fo$ the benefit of anothe$& On the othe$ han # const$ucti%e t$usts a$e c$eate b5 the const$uction of e8uit5 in o$ e$ to satisf5 the e.an s of ;ustice an p$e%ent un;ust en$ich.ent& The5 a$ise cont$a$5 to intention a)ainst one 6ho# b5 f$au # u$ess o$ abuse of confi ence# obtains o$ hol s the le)al $i)ht to p$ope$t5 6hich he ou)ht not# in e8uit5 an )oo conscience# to hol & ?& ID&3 ID&3 ID&3 EDPRESS TR"STS CONCERNIN* IMMOVA0LES NOT PROVED 0' PAROL EVIDENCE3 IMPLIED TR"ST IN REAL PROPERT' ESTA0LIS!ED 0' PAROL EVIDENCE3 PROOF RE-"IRED3 CASE AT 0AR& 4 "nli>e eBp$ess t$usts conce$nin) i..o%ables o$ an5 inte$est the$ein 6hich cannot be p$o%e b5 pa$ol e%i ence# i.plie t$usts .a5 be establishe b5 o$al e%i ence& !o6e%e$# in o$ e$ to establish an i.plie t$ust in $eal p$ope$t5 b5 pa$ol e%i ence# the p$oof shoul be as full5 con%incin) as if the acts )i%in) $ise to the t$ust obli)ation 6e$e p$o%en b5 an authentic ocu.ent& It cannot be establishe upon %a)ue an inconclusi%e p$oof& Afte$ a tho$ou)h $e%ie6 of the e%i ence on $eco$ # 2e hol that a $esultin) t$ust 6as in ee inten e b5 the pa$ties un e$ A$t& 1EEF of the Ne6 Ci%il Co e 6hich states 4 AA$t& 1EEF& The$e is an i.plie t$ust 6hen p$ope$t5 is sol # an the le)al estate is )$ante to one pa$t5 but the p$ice is pai b5 anothe$ fo$ the pu$pose of ha%in) the beneficial inte$est of the p$ope$t5& The fo$.e$ is the t$ustee# 6hile the latte$ is the beneficia$5 & & &A As stipulate b5 the pa$ties# the ocu.ent of sale# the o6ne$'s uplicate cop5 of the ce$tificate of title# insu$ance policies# $eceipt of initial p$e.iu. of insu$ance co%e$a)e an $eal estate taB $eceipts 6e$e all in the possession of $espon ent7 spouses 6hich the5 offe$e in e%i ence& As e.phaticall5 asse$te b5 $espon ent O La5 (ia# the $eason 6h5 these ocu.ents of o6ne$ship $e.aine 6ith he$ is that the lan in 8uestion belon)e to he$& In ee # the$e can be no pe$suasi%e $ationali+ation fo$ the possession of these ocu.ents of o6ne$ship b5 $espon ent7spouses fo$ se%enteen :1G< 5ea$s afte$ the O$o8uieta p$ope$t5 6as pu$chase in 1HEC than that of p$eclu in) its possible sale# alienation o$ con%e5ance b5 E.ilia O'Laco# absent an5 .achination o$ f$au & This continue possession of the ocu.ents# to)ethe$ 6ith othe$ co$$obo$atin) e%i ence sp$ea on $eco$ # st$on)l5 su))ests that E.ilia O'Laco .e$el5 hel the O$o8uieta p$ope$t5 in t$ust fo$ $espon ent7 spouses& =& ID&3 ID&3 ID&3 CONSTR"CTIVE TR"ST S"0,ECT TO PRESCRIPTION3 RES"LTIN* TR"ST IMPRESCRIPTI0LE3 RES"LTIN* TR"ST CONVERTED TO CONSTR"CTIVE TR"ST 0' REP"DIATION3 RE-"ISITES3 PRESCRIPTIVE PERIOD FOR ACTION FOR RECONVE'ANCE 0ASED ON CONSTR"CTIVE TR"ST& 4 As iffe$entiate f$o. const$ucti%e t$usts# 6he$e the settle $ule is that p$esc$iption .a5 supe$%ene# in $esultin) t$ust# the $ule of i.p$esc$iptibilit5 .a5 appl5 fo$ as lon) as the t$ustee has not $epu iate the t$ust& Once the $esultin) t$ust is $epu iate # ho6e%e$# it is con%e$te into a const$ucti%e t$ust an is sub;ect to p$esc$iption& A $esultin) t$ust is $epu iate if the follo6in) $e8uisites concu$I :a< the t$ustee has pe$fo$.e une8ui%ocal acts of $epu iation a.ountin) to an ouste$ of the cestui

8ui t$ust3 :b< such positi%e acts of $epu iation ha%e been .a e >no6n to the cestui 8ui t$ust3 an # :c< the e%i ence the$eon is clea$ an con%incin)& In Tale %& Cou$t of Appeals the Cou$t cate)o$icall5 $ule that an action fo$ $econ%e5ance base on an i.plie o$ const$ucti%e t$ust .ust pe$fo$ce p$esc$ibe in ten :1@< 5ea$s# an not othe$6ise# the$eb5 .o if5in) p$e%ious ecisions hol in) that the p$esc$ipti%e pe$io 6as fou$ :E< 5ea$s& So lon) as the t$ustee $eco)ni+es the t$ust# the beneficia$5 .a5 $el5 upon the $eco)nition# an o$ ina$il5 6ill not be in fault fo$ o.ittin) to b$in) an action to enfo$ce his $i)hts& The$e is no $unnin) of the p$esc$ipti%e pe$io if the t$ustee eBp$essl5 $eco)ni+es the $esultin) t$ust& Since the co.plaint fo$ b$each of t$ust 6as file b5 $espon ent7spouses t6o :9< .onths afte$ ac8ui$in) >no6le )e of the sale# the action the$efo$e has not 5et p$esc$ibe & DECISION 0ELLOSILLO# , pI !isto$5 is $eplete 6ith cases of e$st6hile close fa.il5 $elations put asun e$ b5 p$ope$t5 isputes& This is one of the.& It in%ol%es half7siste$s each clai.in) o6ne$ship o%e$ a pa$cel of lan & 2hile petitione$ E.ilia O'Laco asse$ts that she .e$el5 left the ce$tificate of title co%e$in) the p$ope$t5 6ith p$i%ate $espon ent O La5 (ia fo$ safe>eepin)# the latte$ 6ho is the fo$.e$'s ol e$ siste$ insists that the title 6as in he$ possession because she an he$ husban bou)ht the p$ope$t5 f$o. thei$ con;u)al fun s& To be $esol%e the$efo$e is the issue of 6hethe$ a $esultin) t$ust 6as inten e b5 the. in the ac8uisition of the p$ope$t5& The t$ial cou$t ecla$e that the$e 6as no t$ust $elation of an5 so$t bet6een the siste$s& 1 The Cou$t of Appeals $ule othe$6ise& 9 !ence# the instant petition fo$ $e%ie6 on ce$tio$a$i of the ecision of the appellate cou$t to)ethe$ 6ith its $esolution en5in) $econsi e$ation& C It appea$s that on C1 Ma5 1HEC# the Philippine Su)a$ Estate De%elop.ent Co.pan5# Lt &# sol a pa$cel of lan # Lot No& ?# 0loc> No& 1@# Plan Psu71@@CF# situate at O$o8uieta St&# Sta& C$u+# Manila# 6ith the Dee of Absolute Sale na.in) E.ilia O'Laco as %en ee3 the$eafte$# T$ansfe$ Ce$tificate of Title No& ==E?= 6as issue in he$ na.e& On 1G Ma5 1H=@# p$i%ate $espon ent7spouses Valentin Co Cho Chit an O La5 2a lea$ne f$o. the ne6spape$s that E.ilia O'Laco sol the sa.e p$ope$t5 to the Ro.an Catholic A$chbishop of Manila fo$ P9C@#@@@&@@# 6ith assu.ption of the $eal estate .o$t)a)e constitute the$eon& E On 99 ,une 1H=@# $espon ent7spouses Valentin Co Cho Chit an O La5 (ia sue petitione$7spouses E.ilia O'Laco an !u)o Luna to $eco%e$ the pu$chase p$ice of the lan befo$e the then Cou$t of Fi$st Instance of Ri+al# $espon ent7spouses asse$tin) that petitione$ E.ilia O'Laco >ne6 that the5 6e$e the $eal %en ees of the O$o8uieta p$ope$t5 sol in 1HEC b5 Philippine Su)a$ Estate De%elop.ent Co.pan5# Lt &# an that the le)al title the$eto 6as .e$el5 place in he$ na.e& The5 conten that E.ilia O'Laco b$eache the t$ust 6hen she sol the lan to the Ro.an Catholic A$chbishop of Manila& Mean6hile# the5 as>e the t$ial cou$t to )a$nish all the a.ounts still ue an pa5able to petitione$7spouses a$isin) f$o. the sale# 6hich 6as )$ante on C@ ,une 1H=@& ? Petitione$7spouses en5 the eBistence of an5 fo$. of t$ust $elation& The5 a%e$ that E.ilia O'Laco actuall5 bou)ht the p$ope$t5 6ith he$ o6n .one53 that she left the Dee of Absolute Sale an the co$$espon in) title 6ith $espon ent7spouses .e$el5 fo$ safe>eepin)3 that 6hen she as>e fo$ the $etu$n of the ocu.ents e%i encin) he$ o6ne$ship# $espon ent7spouses tol he$ that these 6e$e .isplace o$ lost3 an # that in %ie6 of the loss# she file a petition fo$ issuance of a ne6 title# an on 1F Au)ust 1HEE the then Cou$t of Fi$st Instance of Manila )$ante he$ petition& On 9@ Septe.be$ 1HG=# fin in) no t$ust $elation bet6een the pa$ties# the t$ial cou$t is.isse the co.plaint to)ethe$ 6ith the counte$clai.& Petitione$s an $espon ents appeale &

On H Ap$il 1HF1# the Cou$t of Appeals set asi e the ecision of the t$ial cou$t thus 4 A& & & 2e set asi e the ecision of the lo6e$ cou$t ate Septe.be$ 9@# 1HG= an the o$ e$ of ,anua$5 ?# 1HGG an anothe$ one is he$eb5 ente$e o$ e$in) the efen ants7appellees to pa5 plaintiffs7appellants ;ointl5 an se%e$all5 the su. of P9C@#@@@&@@ $ep$esentin) the %alue of the p$ope$t5 sub;ect of the sale 6ith assu.ption of .o$t)a)e to the Ro.an Catholic A$chbishop of Manila 6ith le)al inte$est f$o. the filin) of the co.plaint until full5 pai # the su. of P1@#@@@&@@ as atto$ne5's fees# plus costs&A On G Au)ust 1HF1# the Cou$t of Appeals enie $econsi e$ation of its ecision# p$o.ptin) petitione$s to co.e to this Cou$t fo$ $elief& Petitione$s conten that the p$esent action shoul ha%e been is.isse & The5 a$)ue that the co.plaint fails to alle)e that ea$nest effo$ts to6a$ a co.p$o.ise 6e$e eBe$te consi e$in) that the suit is bet6een .e.be$s of the sa.e fa.il5# an no t$ust $elation eBists bet6een the.& E%en assu.in) eB a$)u.enti that the$e is such a $elation# petitione$s fu$the$ a$)ue# $espon ents a$e al$ea 5 ba$$e b5 laches& 2e a$e not pe$sua e & A .itte l5# the p$esent action is bet6een .e.be$s of the sa.e fa.il5 since petitione$ E.ilia O'Laco an $espon ent O La5 (ia a$e half7siste$s& Conse8uentl5# the$e shoul be an a%e$.ent in the co.plaint that ea$nest effo$ts to6a$ a co.p$o.ise ha%e been .a e# pu$suant to A$t& 999 of the Ne6 Ci%il Co e# = o$ a .otion to is.iss coul ha%e been file un e$ Sec& 1# pa$& :;<# Rule 1=# of the Rules of Cou$t& G Fo$# it is 6ell7settle that the atte.pt to co.p$o.ise as 6ell as the inabilit5 to succee is a con ition p$ece ent to the filin) of a suit bet6een .e.be$s of the sa.e fa.il5& F !ence# the efect in the co.plaint is assailable at an5 sta)e of the p$ocee in)s# e%en on appeal# fo$ lac> of cause of action& H 0ut# plaintiff .a5 be allo6e to a.en his co.plaint to co$$ect the efect if the a.en .ent oes not actuall5 confe$ ;u$is iction on the cou$t in 6hich the action is file # i&e&# if the cause of action 6as o$i)inall5 6ithin that cou$t's ;u$is iction& 1@ In such case# the a.en .ent is onl5 to cu$e the pe$cei%e efect in the co.plaint# thus .a5 be allo6e & In the case befo$e "s# 6hile $espon ent7spouses i not fo$.all5 a.en thei$ co.plaint# the5 6e$e nonetheless allo6e to int$o uce e%i ence pu$po$tin) to sho6 that ea$nest effo$ts to6a$ a co.p$o.ise ha been .a e# that is# $espon ent O La5 (ia i.po$tune E.ilia O'Laco an p$esse he$ fo$ the t$ansfe$ of the title of the O$o8uieta p$ope$t5 in the na.e of spouses O La5 (ia an Valentin Co Cho Chit# ;ust befo$e E.ilia's .a$$ia)e to !u)o Luna& 11 0ut# instea of t$ansfe$$in) the title as $e8ueste # E.ilia sol the p$ope$t5 to the Ro.an Catholic A$chbishop of Manila& This testi.on5 6as not ob;ecte to b5 petitione$7spouses& !ence# the co.plaint 6as ee.e acco$ in)l5 a.en e to confo$. to the e%i ence# 19 pu$suant to Sec& ?# Rule 1@ of the Rules of Cou$t 6hich $ea s 4 ASECTION ?& A.en .ent to confo$. to o$ autho$i+e p$esentation of e%i ence& 4 2hen issues not $aise b5 the plea in)s a$e t$ie b5 eBp$ess o$ i.plie consent of the pa$ties# the5 shall be t$eate in all $espects# as# if the5 ha been $aise in the plea in)s & & &A :e.phasis supplie <& In ee # if the efen ant pe$.its e%i ence to be int$o uce 6ithout ob;ection an 6hich supplies the necessa$5 alle)ations of a efecti%e co.plaint# then the e%i ence is ee.e to ha%e the effect of cu$in) the efects of the co.plaint& 1C The insufficienc5 of the alle)ations in the co.plaint is ee.e ipso facto $ectifie & 1E 0ut the .o$e c$ucial issue befo$e "s is 6hethe$ the$e is a t$ust $elation bet6een the pa$ties in conte.plation of la6&

2e fin that the$e is& 05 efinition# t$ust $elations bet6een pa$ties .a5 eithe$ be eBp$ess o$ i.plie & 1? EBp$ess t$usts a$e those 6hich a$e c$eate b5 the i$ect an positi%e acts of the pa$ties# b5 so.e 6$itin) o$ ee # o$ 6ill# o$ b5 6o$ s e%incin) an intention to c$eate a t$ust& 1= I.plie t$usts a$e those 6hich# 6ithout bein) eBp$ess# a$e e ucible f$o. the natu$e of the t$ansaction as .atte$s of intent# o$ 6hich a$e supe$in uce on the t$ansaction b5 ope$ation of la6 as .atte$s of e8uit5# in epen entl5 of the pa$ticula$ intention of the pa$ties&1G I.plie t$usts .a5 eithe$ be $esultin) o$ const$ucti%e t$usts# both co.in) into bein) b5 ope$ation of la6& 1F Resultin) t$usts a$e base on the e8uitable oct$ine that %aluable consi e$ation an not le)al title ete$.ines the e8uitable title o$ inte$est 1H an a$e p$esu.e al6a5s to ha%e been conte.plate b5 the pa$ties& The5 a$ise f$o. the natu$e o$ ci$cu.stances of the consi e$ation in%ol%e in a t$ansaction 6he$eb5 one pe$son the$eb5 beco.es in%este 6ith le)al title but is obli)ate in e8uit5 to hol his le)al title fo$ the benefit of anothe$& 9@ On the othe$ han # const$ucti%e t$usts a$e c$eate b5 the const$uction of e8uit5 in o$ e$ to satisf5 the e.an s of ;ustice 91 an p$e%ent un;ust en$ich.ent& The5 a$ise cont$a$5 to intention a)ainst one 6ho# b5 f$au # u$ess o$ abuse of confi ence# obtains o$ hol s the le)al $i)ht to p$ope$t5 6hich he ou)ht not# in e8uit5 an )oo conscience# to hol & 99 Specific eBa.ples of $esultin) t$usts .a5 be foun in the Ci%il Co e# pa$ticula$l5 A$ts& 1EEF# 1EEH# 1E?1#1E?9 an 1E?C# 9C 6hile const$ucti%e t$usts a$e illust$ate in A$ts& 1E?@# 1E?E# 1E?? an 1E?=& 9E "nli>e eBp$ess t$usts conce$nin) i..o%ables o$ an5 inte$est the$ein 6hich cannot be p$o%e b5 pa$ol e%i ence# 9? i.plie t$usts .a5 be establishe b5 o$al e%i ence& 9= !o6e%e$# in o$ e$ to establish an i.plie t$ust in $eal p$ope$t5 b5 pa$ol e%i ence# the p$oof shoul be as full5 con%incin) as if the acts )i%in) $ise to the t$ust obli)ation 6e$e p$o%en b5 an authentic ocu.ent& 9G It cannot be establishe upon %a)ue an inconclusi%e p$oof& 9F Afte$ a tho$ou)h $e%ie6 of the e%i ence on $eco$ # 2e hol that a $esultin) t$ust 6as in ee inten e b5 the pa$ties un e$ A$t& 1EEF of the Ne6 Ci%il Co e 6hich states 4 AARTICLE 1EEF& The$e is an i.plie t$ust 6hen p$ope$t5 is sol # an the le)al estate is )$ante to one pa$t5 but the p$ice is pai b5 anothe$ fo$ the pu$pose of ha%in) the beneficial inte$est of the p$ope$t5& The fo$.e$ is the t$ustee# 6hile the latte$ is the beneficia$5 & & &A :e.phasis supplie <& Fi$st& As stipulate b5 the pa$ties# the ocu.ent of sale# the o6ne$'s uplicate cop5 of the ce$tificate of title# insu$ance policies# $eceipt of initial p$e.iu. of insu$ance co%e$a)e an $eal estate taB $eceipts 6a$e all in the possession of $espon ent spouses 6hich the5 offe$e in e%i ence& As e.phaticall5 asse$te b5 $espon ent O La5 (ia# the $eason 6h5 these ocu.ents of o6ne$ship $e.aine 6ith he$ is that the lan in 8uestion belon)e to he$& 9H In ee # the$e can be no pe$suasi%e $ationali+ation fo$ the possession of these ocu.ents of o6ne$ship b5 $espon ent7spouses fo$ se%enteen :1G< 5ea$s afte$ the O$o8uieta p$ope$t5 6as pu$chase in 1HEC than that of p$eclu in) its possible sale# alienation o$ con%e5ance b5 E.ilia O'Laco# absent an5 .achination o$ f$au & This continue possession of the ocu.ents# to)ethe$ 6ith othe$ co$$obo$atin) e%i ence sp$ea on $eco$ # st$on)l5 su))ests that E.ilia O'Laco .e$el5 hel the O$o8uieta p$ope$t5 in t$ust fo$ $espon ent7 spouses& Secon & It .a5 be 6o$th to .ention that befo$e bu5in) the O$o8uieta p$ope$t5# $espon ent7spouses pu$chase anothe$ p$ope$t5 situate in (usan)7Loob# Sta& C$u+# Manila# 6he$e the ce$tificate of title 6as place in the na.e of A.b$osio O'Laco# ol e$ b$othe$ of E.ilia# un e$ si.ila$ o$ i entical ci$cu.stances& The testi.on5 of fo$.e$ counsel fo$ $espon ent7spouses# then Associate ,ustice Antonio *& Luce$o of the Cou$t of Appeals# is enli)htenin) 4

A- In the sa.e con%e$sation he tol 5ou ho6 he 6oul bu5 the p$ope$t5 :$efe$$in) to the O$o8uieta p$ope$t5<# he an his 6ifeJ AA 'es# Si$# he i & A- 2hat i he sa5J BBB BBB BBB AA !e sai he an his 6ife has :sic< al$ea 5 ac8ui$e b5 pu$chase a ce$tain p$ope$t5 locate at (usan)7 Loob# Sta& C$u+# Manila& !e tol .e he 6oul li>e to place the O$o8uieta Mate$nit5 !ospital in case the ne)otiation .ate$iali+e:s< in the na.e of a siste$ of his 6ife :O'Laco<A :e.phasis supplie <& C@ On the pa$t of $espon ent7spouses# the5 eBplaine that the $eason 6h5 the5 i not place these O$o8uieta an (usan)7Loob p$ope$ties in thei$ na.e 6as that bein) Chinese nationals at the ti.e of the pu$chase the5 i not 6ant to eBecute the $e8ui$e affi a%it to the effect that the5 6e$e allies of the ,apanese& C1 Since O La5 (ia too> ca$e of E.ilia 6ho 6as still 5oun) 6hen he$ .othe$ ie # C9 $espon ent7spouses i not hesitate to place the title of the O$o8uieta p$ope$t5 in E.ilia's na.e& -uite si)nificantl5# $espon ent7spouses also institute an action fo$ $econ%e5ance a)ainst A.b$osio O'Laco 6hen the latte$ clai.e the (usan)7Loob p$ope$t5 as his o6n& A si.ila$ stipulation of facts 6as li>e6ise ente$e # i&e&# $espon ent7spouses ha in thei$ possession ocu.ents sho6in) o6ne$ship of the (usan)7Loob p$ope$t5 6hich the5 offe$e in e%i ence& In that case# the ecision of the t$ial cou$t# no6 final an eBecuto$5# ecla$e $espon ent7spouses as o6ne$s of the (usan)7Loob p$ope$t5 an o$ e$e A.b$osio O'Laco to $econ%e5 it to the.& CC Inci entall5# A.b$osio O'Laco thus cha$)e $espon ent spouses Valentin Co Cho Cit an O La5 (ia befo$e the Anti7Du..5 0oa$ # oc>ete as Case No& 9E9E# fo$ thei$ ac8uisition of the (usan)7Loob an O$o8uieta p$ope$ties& CE !e clai.e that $espon ent7spouses utili+e his na.e in bu5in) the (usan)7 Loob p$ope$t5 6hile that of petitione$ O'Laco 6as use in the pu$chase of the O$o8uieta p$ope$t5& In effect# the$e 6as an i.plie a .ission b5 A.b$osio that his siste$ E.ilia# li>e hi.# 6as .e$el5 use as a u..5& !o6e%e$# the Anti7Du..5 0oa$ eBone$ate $espon ent7spouses since the pu$chases 6e$e .a e in 1HEC# o$ u$in) 2o$l 2a$ II# 6hen the Anti7Du..5 La6 6as not enfo$ceable& Thi$ & The ci$cu.stances b5 6hich E.ilia O'Laco obtaine a ne6 title b5 $eason of the alle)e loss of the ol title then in the possession of $espon ent7spouses cast se$ious oubt on the %e$acit5 of he$ o6ne$ship& The petitions $especti%el5 file b5 E.ilia O'Laco an A.b$osio O'Laco fo$ the O$o8uieta an the (usan)7Loob p$ope$ties 6e$e both )$ante on the sa.e a5# 1F Au)ust 1HEE# b5 the then Cou$t of Fi$st Instance of Manila& These o$ e$s 6e$e $eco$ e in the P$i.a$5 Ent$5 0oo> of the Re)iste$ of Dee s of Manila at the sa.e ti.e# 9IC? o'cloc> in the afte$noon of 1 Septe.be$ 1HEE# in consecuti%e ent$ies# Ent$ies Nos& 9E=11G71F& C? This coinci ence len s c$e ence to the position of $espon ent7spouses that the$e 6as in fact a conspi$ac5 bet6een the siblin)s A.b$osio an E.ilia to ef$au an ep$i%e $espon ents of thei$ title to the O$o8uieta an (usan)7Loob p$ope$ties& Fou$th& "ntil the sale of the O$o8uieta p$ope$t5 to the Ro.an Catholic A$chbishop of Manila# petitione$ E.ilia O'Laco actuall5 $eco)ni+e the t$ust& Specificall5# 6hen $espon ent spouses lea$ne that E.ilia 6as )ettin) .a$$ie to !u)o# O La5 (ia as>e he$ to ha%e the title to the p$ope$t5 al$ea 5 t$ansfe$$e to he$ an he$ husban Valentin# an E.ilia assu$e he$ that A6oul be a$$an)e :.aaa5os na<A afte$ he$ 6e in)& C= !e$ ans6e$ 6as an eBp$ess $eco)nition of the t$ust# othe$6ise# she 6oul ha%e $efuse the $e8uest out$i)ht& Petitione$s ne%e$ ob;ecte to this e%i ence3 no$ i the5 atte.pt to cont$o%e$t it&

Fifth& The t$ial cou$t itself ete$.ine that AValentin Co Cho Chit an O La5 (ia ha so.e .one5 6ith 6hich the5 coul bu5 the p$ope$t5&A CG In fact# Valentin 6as the Chief Mechanic of the Pani8ui Su)a$ Mills# 6as en)a)e in the bu5 an sell business# ope$ate a )asoline station# an o6ne an auto suppl5 sto$e as 6ell as a ten7 oo$ apa$t.ent in Caloocan Cit5& CF In cont$ast# E.ilia O'Laco faile to con%ince the Cou$t that she 6as financiall5 capable of pu$chasin) the O$o8uieta p$ope$t5& In fact# she opene a ban> account onl5 in 1HE= an li>e6ise be)an filin) inco.e taB $etu$ns that sa.e 5ea$# CH 6hile the p$ope$t5 in 8uestion 6as bou)ht in 1HEC& Respon ent7spouses e%en helpe E.ilia an he$ b$othe$s in thei$ eBpenses an li%elihoo & E.ilia coul onl5 )i%e a %a)ue account on ho6 she $aise the .one5 fo$ the pu$chase of the p$ope$t5& !e$ na$$ation of the t$ansaction of sale aboun s 6ith AI on't >no6A an AI on't $e.e.be$&A E@ !a%in) establishe a $esultin) t$ust bet6een the pa$ties# the neBt 8uestion is 6hethe$ p$esc$iption has set in& As iffe$entiate f$o. const$ucti%e t$usts# 6he$e the settle $ule is that p$esc$iption .a5 supe$%ene# in $esultin) t$ust# the $ule of i.p$esc$iptibilit5 .a5 appl5 fo$ as lon) as the t$ustee has not $epu iate the t$ust& E1 Once the $esultin) t$ust is $epu iate # ho6e%e$# it is con%e$te into a const$ucti%e t$ust an is sub;ect to p$esc$iption& A $esultin) t$ust is $epu iate if the follo6in) $e8uisites concu$I :a< the t$ustee has pe$fo$.e une8ui%ocal acts of $epu iation a.ountin) to an ouste$ of the cestui 8ui t$ust3 :b< such positi%e acts of $epu iation ha%e been .a e >no6n to the cestui 8ui t$ust3 an # :c< the e%i ence the$eon is clea$ an con%incin)& E9 In Tale %& Cou$t of Appeals EC the Cou$t cate)o$icall5 $ule that an action fo$ $econ%e5ance base on an i.plie o$ const$ucti%e t$ust .ust pe$fo$ce p$esc$ibe in ten :1@< 5ea$s# an not othe$6ise# the$eb5 .o if5in) p$e%ious ecisions hol in) that the p$esc$ipti%e pe$io 6as fou$ :E< 5ea$s& Neithe$ the $e)ist$ation of the O$o8uieta p$ope$t5 in the na.e of petitione$ E.ilia O'Laco no$ the issuance of a ne6 To$$ens title in 1HEE in he$ na.e in lieu of the alle)e loss of the o$i)inal .a5 be .a e the basis fo$ the co..ence.ent of the p$esc$ipti%e pe$io & Fo$# the issuance of the To$$ens title in the na.e of E.ilia O'Laco coul not be consi e$e a %e$se# .uch less f$au ulent& P$ecisel5# althou)h the p$ope$t5 6as bou)ht b5 $espon ent7spouses# the le)al title 6as place in the na.e of E.ilia O'Laco& The t$ansfe$ of the To$$ens title in he$ na.e 6as onl5 in consonance 6ith the ee of sale in he$ fa%o$& Conse8uentl5# the$e 6as no cause fo$ an5 ala$. on the pa$t of $espon ent7spouses& As late as 1H?H# o$ ;ust befo$e she )ot .a$$ie # E.ilia continue to $eco)ni+e the o6ne$ship of $espon ent7spouses o%e$ the O$o8uieta p$ope$t5& Thus# until that point# $espon ent7spouses 6e$e not a6a$e of an5 act of E.ilia 6hich 6oul con%e5 to the. the i ea that she 6as $epu iatin) the $esultin) t$ust& The secon $e8uisite is the$efo$e absent& !ence# p$esc$iption i not be)in to $un until the sale of the O$o8uieta p$ope$t5# 6hich 6as clea$l5 an act of $epu iation& 0ut i..e iatel5 afte$ E.ilia sol the O$o8uieta p$ope$t5 6hich is ob%iousl5 a isa%o6al of the $esultin) t$ust# $espon ent7spouses institute the p$esent suit fo$ b$each of t$ust& Co$$espon in)l5# laches cannot lie a)ainst the.& Afte$ all# so lon) as the t$ustee $eco)ni+es the t$ust# the beneficia$5 .a5 $el5 upon the $eco)nition# an o$ ina$il5 6ill not be in fault fo$ o.ittin) to b$in) an action to enfo$ce his $i)hts& EE The$e is no $unnin) of the p$esc$ipti%e pe$io if the t$ustee eBp$essl5 $eco)ni+es the $esultin) t$ust& E? Since the co.plaint fo$ b$each of t$ust 6as file b5 $espon ent7spouses t6o :9< .onths afte$ ac8ui$in) >no6le )e of the sale# the action the$efo$e has not 5et p$esc$ibe &

2!EREFORE# the Petition fo$ Re%ie6 on Ce$tio$a$i is DENIED& The Decision of the Cou$t of Appeals of H Ap$il 1HF1# 6hich $e%e$se the t$ial cou$t# is AFFIRMED& Costs a)ainst petitione$s& SO ORDERED&

Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT Manila FIRST DIVISION G.R. No. L-46345 Jan ar! 30, 1990 REST"TUTO CEN"#$ an% JESUS CEN"#$, petitione$s# %s& T&E &ON. COURT O' $PPE$LS, M$GNO ($)ON, *"CENT$ ($)ON, TERES"T$ ($)ON, EUGEN"$ ($)ON, an% TOM$S ($)ON, $espon ents& Vicente P. Valera and Pedro Rosito & Jesus F. Balicanta for petitioners. Victorino U. Montecillo for respondents.

GR"NO-$+U"NO, J.: This is a petition fo$ $e%ie6 of the o$ e$ ate Octobe$ 9H# 1HG=# of the Cou$t of Appeals in CA7*&R& No& EF?E= entitle # ARestituto Ceniza, et al. vs. Magno Da on, et al. #A is.issin) the petitione$s' co.plaint fo$ $econ%e5ance of thei$ sha$es in co7o6ne$ship p$ope$t5 an $e%e$sin) the ecision of the t$ial cou$t in thei$ fa%o$& On ,une 1E# 1H=G# the petitione$s file a)ainst p$i%ate $espon ents# an action in the Cou$t of Fi$st Instance of Cebu fo$ $eco%e$5 of thei$ title to Lots Nos& =9G70 an =9G7C :bein) po$tions of Lot No& =9G 6ith an a$ea of app$oBi.atel5 ?#C@= s8ua$e .ete$s< situate in Casuntin)an# Man aue# Cebu :no6 Man aue Cit5<# 6hich o$i)inall5 fo$.e pa$t of A!acien a e Man aueA of the Se.ina$io e San Ca$los e Cebu& The P$ope$t5 is co%e$e b5 $econstitute O$i)inal Ce$tificate of Title No& RO7 1@HH= issue on Feb$ua$5 F# 1HCH :fo$.e$l5 Dec$ee No& =HEECF issue on Feb$ua$5 9G# 1HCE< in the na.e of AVicente Dabon .a$$ie to Ma$cela Ko$ Ma$celinaL Ceni+a&A :pp& G an 1H# Reco$ on Appeal<& Petitione$s a$e the escen ants of Manuel Ceni+a 6hile the p$i%ate $espon ents a$e the escen ants of his siste$# Sofia Ceni+a& Sofia Ceni+a 6as chil less but she ha an a opte au)hte$ na.e Fla%iana Ceni+a# 6ho be)ot a au)hte$ na.e Ma$ce Ceni+a an 6ho in tu$n ha a au)hte$ na.e Ma$celina :o$ Ma$cela< Ceni+a 6ho .a$$ie Vicente Dabon& P$i%ate $espon ents a$e the chil $en of this .a$$ia)e an the5 a$e the )$eat7)$eat7)$an chil $en of Sofia Ceni+a& On the othe$ han # Manuel Ceni+a ha an onl5 son# Pablo# 6ho ha t6o sons# Santia)o an ,ose Ceni+a& Petitione$s Restituto an ,esus Ceni+a an a ce$tain Ne.esia Ceni+a7Albina a$e thei$ chil $en an the )$eat7)$an chil $en of Manuel Ceni+a&

The $eco$ s isclose that 6hen !acien a e Man aue 6as sub i%i e fo$ $esale to the occupants in 1H9H# ,ose Ceni+a an Vicente Dabon# 6ho 6e$e $esi in) in the hacien a# ;ointl5 pu$chase Lot =9G on install.ent basis an the5 a)$ee # fo$ con%enience# to ha%e the lan $e)iste$e in the na.e of Dabon& Since then# ,ose Ceni+a# Vicente Dabon# an thei$ hei$s ha%e possesse thei$ $especti%e po$tions of the lan # ecla$e the sa.e fo$ taBation# pai $eal estate taBes on thei$ $especti%e sha$es# an .a e thei$ $especti%e install.ent pa5.ents to the Se.ina$io e San Ca$los e Cebu& Afte$ Dabon ie in 1H?E# his se%en :G< chil $en# na.e Ma)no# ,acinta# To.as# Fla%iana# Sole a # Te$esita an Eu)enia# succee e to his possession of a po$tion of the lan & On No%e.be$ E# 1H=1# a p$i%ate lan su$%e5o$# Espi$itu 0una)an# on the $e8uest of ,acinta Dabon an Restituto Ceni+a 6ho ;ointl5 ef$a5e the cost# i%i e Lot =9G into th$ee pa$ts# na.el5I :1< Lot No& =9G7A 6ith C#?CF s8ua$e .ete$s fo$ Ma$cela Ceni+a3 :9< Lot No& =9G70 6ith FFE s8ua$e .ete$s fo$ Restituto Ceni+a3 an :C< Lot No& =9G7C 6ith FCE s8ua$e .ete$s fo$ Ne.esia Ceni+a7Albina# 6ho late$ be8ueathe he$ sha$e to he$ b$othe$# ,esus Ceni+a& :p& 1H# Reco$ on Appeal<& The p$esent cont$o%e$s5 a$ose because the p$i%ate $espon ents $efuse to con%e5 Lots Nos& =9G70 an =9G7C to the petitione$s& The5 clai.e that thei$ p$e ecesso$7in7inte$est# Vicente Dabon# 6as the sole an eBclusi%e o6ne$ of Lot =9G# b5 pu$chase f$o. the Se.ina$io e San Ca$los e Cebu& In thei$ ans6e$ to the petitione$s' co.plaint fo$ $econ%e5ance in ,une 1H=G# the5 alle)e that the petitione$s' $i)ht of action ha al$ea 5 p$esc$ibe & Petitione$s $eplie that Vicente Dabon hel the lan in t$ust fo$ the.# as co7o6ne$s# hence# thei$ action fo$ $econ%e5ance 6as i.p$esc$iptible& On Au)ust C1# 1HG@# the t$ial cou$t $en e$e ;u ).ent fo$ the petitione$s& Fin in) that the$e eBiste a co7o6ne$ship a.on) the pa$ties# it o$ e$e the p$i%ate $espon ents to eBecute ee s of con%e5ance of Lots Nos& =9G70 an =9G7C in fa%o$ of the plaintiffs# Restituto an ,esus Ceni+a# $especti%el5 :p& C?# Reco$ on Appeal<& On appeal b5 the efen ants :no6 p$i%ate $espon ents< the Cou$t of Appeals on Octobe$ 9H# 1HG=# $e%e$se that ecision of the t$ial cou$t& It $ule that the petitione$s' $i)ht of action ha p$esc$ibe afte$ the lapse of 9@ 5ea$s f$o. the ate of $e)ist$ation of the lan on Feb$ua$5 F# 1HCH in Vicente Dabon's na.e :p& C9# Rollo<& The petitione$s ha%e appeale to this Cou$t b5 a petition fo$ $e%ie6 un e$ Rule E? of the Rules of Cou$t& The le)al issue p$esente b5 the petition is 6hethe$ the $e)ist$ation of the title of the lan in the na.e of one of the co7o6ne$# constitute a $epu iation of the co7o6ne$ship fo$ pu$poses of ac8uisiti%e p$esc$iption& 2e fin .e$it in the petition fo$ $e%ie6& The t$ial cou$t co$$ectl5 $ule that since a t$ust $elation an co7o6ne$ship 6e$e p$o%en to eBist bet6een the p$e ecesso$s7 in7inte$est of both petitione$s an p$i%ate $espon ents# p$esc$iption i

not $un in fa%o$ of Dabon's hei$s eBcept f$o. the ti.e that the5 $epu iate the co7o6ne$ship an .a e the $epu iation >no6n to the othe$ co7o6ne$s# Restituto an ,esus Ceni+a :Co$tes %s& Oli%a# CC Phil& EF@<& Pa$a)$aph ? of A$ticle EHE of the Ci%il Co e p$o%i es7 No p$esc$iption shall $un in fa%o$ of a co7o6ne$ o$ co7hei$ a)ainst his co7o6ne$s o$ co7hei$s so lon) as he eBp$essl5 o$ i.plie l5 $eco)ni+es the co7o6ne$ship& The $e)ist$ation of Lot No& =9G in the na.e of Vicente Dabon c$eate a t$ust in fa%o$ of his co7o6ne$ ,ose Ceni+a# an the latte$'s hei$s& A$ticle 1E?9 of the Ci%il Co e statesI If t6o o$ .o$e pe$sons a)$ee to pu$chase p$ope$t5 an co..on consent the le)al title is ta>en in the na.e of one of the. fo$ the benefit of all# a t$ust is c$eate b5 fo$ce of la6 in fa%o$ of the othe$s in p$opo$tion to the inte$est of each& This Cou$t has $ule in nu.e$ous cases in%ol%in) fi ucia$5 $elations that# as a )ene$al $ule# the t$ustee's possession is not a %e$se an the$efo$e cannot $ipen into a title b5 p$esc$iption& A %e$se possession $e8ui$es the concu$$ence of the follo6in) ci$cu.stancesI a< that the t$ustee has pe$fo$.e une8ui%ocal acts of $epu iation a.ountin) to the ouste$ of thecestui !ue trust3 b< that such positi%e acts of $epu iation ha%e been .a e >no6n to the cestui !ue trust3 an c< that the e%i ence the$eon shoul be clea$ an conclusi%e& The abo%e ele.ents a$e not p$esent he$e fo$ the petitione$sM co7o6ne$s ha%e not been ouste f$o. the lan & The5 continue to possess thei$ $especti%e sha$es of Lot =9G an the5 ha%e been pa5in) the $ealt5 taBes the$eon& Restituto's house stan s on his po$tion of the Lan & Assu.in) that the p$i%ate $espon ents' $e;ection of the sub i%ision plan fo$ the pa$tition of the lan 6as an act of $epu iation of the co7o6ne$ship# p$esc$iption ha not 5et set in 6hen the petitione$s institute the p$esent action fo$ $econ%e5ance& These ci$cu.stances 6e$e o%e$loo>e b5 the Cou$t of Appeals& In Custodio v. Casiano H SCRA FE1# 6e $ule thatI 2he$e title to lan 6as issue in the na.e of a co7hei$ .e$el5 6ith the un e$stan in) that he 6oul act as a t$ustee of his siste$s# an the$e is no evidence t"at t"is trust relation "ad ever een repudiated # said trustee# it is hel that a $eaction of co7 o6ne$ship eBiste bet6een such t$ustee an his siste$s an the $i)ht of the successo$s7in7inte$est of sai siste$s to b$in) the p$esent action fo$ $eco%e$5 of thei$ sha$es the$ein a)ainst the successo$s7in7inte$est of sai t$ustee cannot ba$$e b5 p$esc$iption# espite the# lapse of 9? 5ea$s f$o. the ate of $e)ist$ation of the lan in the t$ustee's na.e& :E.phasis supplie &< In $sco ar v. %ocsin# GE Phil& F=# 6e affi$.e the ut5 of the cou$ts to shiel fi ucia$5 $elations Aa)ainst e%e$5 .anne$ of chicane$5 o$ etestable esi)n cloa>e b5 le)al technicalitiesA an to )ua$ a)ainst .isuse of the To$$ens s5ste. Ato fo.ent bet$a5al in the pe$fo$.ance of a t$ust&A

In this case# since the statuto$5 pe$io of li.itation 6ithin 6hich to file an action fo$ $econ%e5ance# afte$ the efen ants ha $epu iate the co7o6ne$ship in 1H=1# ha not 5et $un its cou$se 6hen the petitione$s file sai action in 1H=G# the action 6as not ba$$e b5 p$esc$iption& 2!EREFORE& the ecision of the Cou$t of appeals is he$eb5 REVERSED AND SET ASIDE an the ecision ate Au)ust C1# 1HG@ of the then Cou$t of Fi$st Instance of Cebu# 0$anch VI# in Ci%il Case No& R71@@C@ is $einstate & Costs a)ainst the p$i%ate $espon ents& SO ORDERED&

HABEAS CORPUS CASES

Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT Manila EN 0ANC G.R. No. L-16,,9 March 30, 19-1 LEE ."C/ &ON, petitione$7appellee# %s& T&E "NSUL$R COLLECTOR O' CUSTOMS, efen ant7appellant& &ttorne#'(eneral Feria for appellant. )o appearance for appellee. STREET, J.: This is an appeal b5 the Insula$ Collecto$ of Custo.s f$o. the action of the Cou$t of Fi$st Instance of Manila in i.posin) upon hi. a fine of P?@ fo$ an alle)e conte.pt of cou$t& The ci$cu.stances connecte 6ith the inci ent 6hich )a%e $ise to the p$ocee in) a$e theseI It appea$s that on ,ul5 9C# 1H9@# a petition fo$ the 6$it of "a eas corpus 6as file in the Cou$t of Fi$st Instance of Manila b5 one Lee 'ic> !on# alle)in) he ha latel5 a$$i%e f$o. China at the po$t of Manila 6ith a %ie6 to ente$in) the Philippine Islan s# but 6as p$esente f$o. so oin) b5 the Insula$ Collecto$ of Custo.s# 6ho 6as etainin) hi. fo$ epo$tation& "pon the p$esi in) in Sala IV of sai cou$t# cite the collecto$ to appea$ an sho6 cause in 6$itin) 6h5 the 6$it of "a eas corpus shoul not be issue as p$a5e & This citation 6as se$%e at about 11 a&.&# at 6hich house a$$an)e.ent ha al$ea 5 been pe$fecte fo$ the epo$tation of Lee 'ic> !on on a boat sche ule to lea%e Manila fo$ !on)>on) at noon on the sa.e a53 an eithe$ b5 o%e$si)ht o$ esi)n the Insula$ Collecto$ faile to conte$.an the o$ e$ fo$ his e.ba$cation on that boat& The $esult 6as that Lee 'ic> !on 6as epo$te 6ithin t6o o$ th$ee hou$s afte$ the Insula$ Collecto$ ha been se$%e 6ith the citation to sho6 cause in the "a eas corpusp$ocee in)& The$eupon conte.pt p$ocee in)s 6e$e institute a)ainst the Insula$ Collecto$# 6ith the $esult al$ea 5 state & 2e a$e of the opinion that the action of the lo6e$ cou$t in i.posin) fine on the appellant cannot be sustaine 3 an the ;u ).ent .ust acco$ in)l5 be $ese$%e & The con itions un e$ 6hich a pe$son can be punishe fo$ conte.pt a$e p$ecisel5 efine in sections 9C1 an 9C9 of the Co e of Ci%il P$oce u$e3 an unless the $ep$obate con uct le)iti.atel5 falls un e$ those p$o%isions# it cannot be punishe as fo$ conte.pt& The fi$st of these sections conte.plates .isbeha%io$ in the p$esence of the cou$t o$ so nea$ the cou$t of ;u )e as to obst$uct the a .inist$ation of ;ustice& 2ith this situation 6e a$e not he$e conce$ne # as the act 6hich constitutes the alle)e conte.pt 6as co..itte a6a5 f$o. the p$esence of the cou$t an if punishable at all# it falls un e$ subsection :1< of section 9C9# 6he$ein it is ecla$e that na5 pe$son .a5 be punishe as fo$ conte.pt 6ho is )uilt5 of A isobe ience of o$ $esistance to a la6ful 6$it# p$ocess# o$ e$# ;u ).ent# o$ co..an of the cou$t o$ in;unction )$ante b5 a cou$t o$ ;u )e&A In this case befo$e us# if it be as>e 6hat la6ful 6$it# p$ocess# o$ e$# ;u ).ent o$ co..an of the cou$t o$ ;u )e belo6 6as isobe5e o$ $esiste b5 the appellant# the ans6e$ .ust beI None

6hate%e$& The citation that 6as se$%e upon the appellant $e8ui$e hi. to appea$ at a state ti.e in the Cou$t of Fi$st Instance of Manila an sho6 cause if an5 the$e .i)ht be# 6h5 the 6$it p$a5e fo$ shoul not issue& That citation 6as lite$all5 co.plie 6ith 6hen# on ,ul5 C@# 1H9@# the Atto$ne57 *ene$al# on behalf of the Insula$ Collecto$# file his ans6e$# 6he$ein it 6as in effect state that the case of Lee 'ic> !on ha been $e)ula$l5 passe upon b5 the special 0oa$ of In8ui$5# an that it ha been foun that he ha ente$e the Philippine Islan s in cont$a%ention of the I..i)$ation an EBclusion Acts# 6he$efo$e the Insula$ Collecto$ ha o$ e$e his epo$tation& That ans6e$# so fa$ as appea$s in this case# has not been foun to be false o$ insufficient3 an the sole )$oun $elie upon to sustain the ;u ).ent fin in) the appellant )uilt5 to conte.pt is that b5 allo6in) Lee 'ic> !on to be epo$te un e$ the con itions state he has f$ust$ate the possible issuance of the 6$it of "a eas corpus fo$ 6hich application ha been .a e& At this point attention shoul be i$ecte to the fact that the o$ e$ to sho6 cause# a cop5 of 6hich 6as se$%e on the Insula$ Collecto$ of Custo.s on ,ul5 9C# 1H9@# is not the pe$e.pto$5 6$it of "a eas corpus# uncon itionall5 co..an in) the $espon ent to ha%e the bo 5 of the etaine pe$son befo$e the cou$t at a ti.e an place the$ein specifie & The $e8uisites of the pe$e.pto$5 6$it of "a eas corpus a$e state in section ?CC of the Co e of Ci%il P$oce u$e3 an app$op$iate fo$.s a$e supplie in section ?CE of sai Co e an in section F9 of *ene$al O$ e$s# No& ?F& The o$ e$ se$%e in the case befo$e us 6as .e$el5 a p$eli.ina$5 citation $e8ui$in) the $espon ent to appea$ an sho6 cause 6h5 the pe$e.pto$5 6$it shoul not be )$ante & The p$actice of issuin) a p$eli.ina$5 citation of this cha$acte$# upon applications fo$ the 6$it of "a eas corpus# has# as all le)al p$actitione$s a$e a6a$e# beco.e co..on in ou$ cou$ts3 an upon consi e$ations of p$actical con%enience# the usa)e has .ust be co..en it# in cases 6he$e the necessit5 fo$ the i..e iate issuance of the pe$e.pto$5 6$it is not .anifest& Ne%e$theless in a case li>e that no6 befo$e us# it is necessa$5 to ta>e account of the iffe$ence bet6een the p$eli.ina$5 citation an the $eal 6$it of "a eas corpus3 an 6hen a %e$tence is ha to this point# an the actual te$.s of the citation a$e consi e$e # it is at one ob%ious that the appellant i not put hi.self in conte.pt b5 allo6in) Lee 'ic> !on to be epo$te & Of cou$se if the ;u )e issuin) the citation ha his attention i$ecte to the fact that the epo$tation of Lee 'ic> !on 6as i..inent# an the$e ha been an5 $eason to fea$ that the Collecto$ of Custo.s .i)ht p$ocee 6ith his epo$tation not6ithstan in) the se$%ice of the ba$e citation# his !ono$ coul ha%e penne a fe6 a itional 6o$ s# a in) to the citation an a .onition to the effect that the petitione$ shoul not be epo$te until his application fo$ the 6$it of "a eas corpus shoul be hea$ & If a te.po$a$5 $est$ainin) o$ e$ of that >in ha been issue # it 6oul no oubt ha%e been $especte & In p$ocee in) a)ainst a pe$son alle)e to be )uilt5 of conte.pt of cou$t# it is not to be fo$)otten that such p$ocee in)s a$e co..onl5 t$eate as c$i.inal in thei$ natu$e e%en 6hen the acts co.plaine of a$e inci ents of ci%il actions& Fo$ this $eason the .o e of p$oce u$e an $ules of e%i ence in conte.pt p$ocee in)s a$e assi.ilate as fa$ as p$acticable to those a apte to c$i.inal p$osecutions& := R& C& L&# p& ?C@&< Mo$eo%e$# it is 6ell settle that a pe$son cannot be hel liable fo$ conte.pt in the %iolation of an in;unction o$ in fact of an5 ;u icial o$ e$ unless the act 6hich is fo$bi en o$ $e8ui$e to be one is clea$l5 an eBactl5 efine # so as to lea%e no $easonable oubt o$ unce$taint5 as to 6hat specific act o$ thin) is fo$bi en o$ $e8ui$e & :"&S& vs. Atchison# etc&# R& Co&# 1E= Fe &# 1G=# 1FC&< A pa$t5 cannot be punishe fo$ conte.pt in failin) to o so.ethin) not specifie in the o$ e$& :1C C& ,&# 1?&< In the case befo$e us# the epo$tation of the petitione$ 6as not fo$bi en b5 an5 o$ e$ of the cou$t# an hence that act cannot be consi e$e as isobe ience to the cou$t& "pon p$inciple the point is clea$3 an althou)h no case eBactl5 i entical 6ith the p$esent one has been calle to ou$ attention f$o. the ecisions of A.e$ican cou$ts# so.ethin) %e$5 si.ila$ is foun in $* parte La>e :CG TeB& C$i.& Rep& =?=3 == A.& St& Rep& FEF<& The facts in%ol%e in that case 6e$e theseI One E 6a$ s ha been cha$)e 6ith the co..ission of a c$i.inal offense in O>laho.a# but he fle to the State of TeBas3 an upon $e8uisition f$o. the *o%e$no$ of O>laho.a# a 6a$$ant 6as issue b5 the *o%e$no$ of TeBas fo$ his a$$est in that State& "pon his bein) a$$este # application 6as .a e in his behalf befo$e on of the TeBas cou$ts fo$ the 6$it of"a eas corpus to secu$e his $elease& Du$in) the pe$io 6hen the p$op$iet5 of )$antin) the 6$it 6as un e$ consi e$ation in sai cou$t# one

La>e# the le)all5 appointe eBt$a ition a)ent# actin) un e$ the autho$it5 of a p$ope$ 6a$$ant issue b5 the *o%e$no$ of TeBas# obtaine the custo 5 of E 6a$ s f$o. the she$iff 6ho ha hi. in cha$)e an hu$$ie l5 epa$te 6ith the p$isone$ fo$ O>laho.a& The $esult 6as that the p$ocee in)s upon the application fo$ the 6$it "a eas corpus 6e$e f$ust$ate an the 6$it 6as in fact ne%e$ issue 4 as occu$$e in the case no6 befo$e us& The ;u )e befo$e 6ho. the application fo$ the 6$it of "a eas corpus 6as pen in) the$eupon cause La>e to be a$$este an fine hi. ?@ olla$s fo$ the suppose conte.pt& It 6as hel b5 the TeBas Cou$t of C$i.inal Appeals that his action coul not be sustaine an the ;u ).ent 6as $e%e$se & A.on) the $easons state fo$ this ecision 6as the fact that the alle)e conte.ne$ has isobe5e no o$ e$ issue b5 the ;u )e# fo$ the$e 6as none of an5 cha$acte$ .a e in the case# Aan the$e 6as no o$ e$# ec$ee# 6$it# o$ an5 othe$ p$ocess in eBistence# fo$bi in) hi. fo$. oin) ;ust 6hat he i A& Spea>in) fu$the$ of this aspect of the case# the cou$t sai I A2e ha%e foun no case autho$i+in) punish.ent b5 conte.pt fo$ such con uct as is att$ibute to La>e# an 6e belie%e none can be foun & The autho$ities ha%e been closel5 an eBhausti%el5 eBa.ine # an the $ule e ucible the$ef$o.# is that unless the cou$t has ;u$is iction of the suppose conte.ne$# o$ so.e o$ e$# ec$ee# o$ p$ocess has been $esiste o$ isobe5e # the cou$t has no ;u$is iction to punish fo$ conte.pt& ,u$is iction o%e$ the pa$t5 6ill not confe$ po6e$ to punish fo$ conte.pt unless so.e o$ e$# ec$ee# o$ p$ocess has been isobe5e o$ the pa$t5 is )uilt5 of so.e act of the natu$e of .alp$actice in the case# o$ has isobe5e the $easonable $ules of the cou$tA& : $* parte La>e# supra&< The consi e$ations foun in that ecision a$e applicable to the case no6 befo$e us an co$$obo$ate the conclusion to be ine%itabl5 $a6n fo$. ou$ o6n p$o%isions $elati%e to conte.pt# na.el5# that the epo$tation of Lee 'ic> !on b5 the Insula$ Collecto$ un e$ the ci$cu.stances state 6as not a conte.pt of cou$t& ,u ).ent is $e%e$se an the efen ant absol%e # 6ith costs e oficio& So o$ e$e & Mapa, C.J. and Villa+or, J., concur.

S01ara20 O13n3on4 M$LCOLM, J., issentin)I I a. in co.plete acco$ 6ith the ecision of ,u )e of Fi$st Instance Concepcion fin in) Vicente Al anese# Insula$ Collecto$ fo$ Custo.s# )uilt5 of conte.pt of cou$t an sentencin) hi. to pa5 a no.inal fine of P?@& This action of the t$ial cou$t 6as ;ustifie # consi e$in) that the Collecto$ of Custo.s epo$te a Chinese alien clai.in) to be a .e.be$ to the househol of the Consul7*ene$al fo$ China# u$in) the pen enc5 of the "a eas corpusp$ocee in)s# in is$e)a$ of a ;u icial o$ e$# an to the )$eat p$e;u ice of the $i)hts of the alien& A b$ief na$$ation of the facts of $eco$ 6ill se$%e to e.onst$ate the co$$ectness of the fo$e)oin) state.ents& The China.an Lee 'ic> !on a$$i%e at the po$t of Manila an as>e fo$ a .ission into the Philippine Islan s on the )$oun that he 6as the coo> of the Chinese Consul7*ene$al& !e 6as $efuse a .ission b5 a 0oa$ of Special In8ui$5& The Insula$ Collecto$ of Custo.s# in a ecision file on ,ul5 99# 1H9@# affi$.e the fin in)s of the 0oa$ of Special In8ui$5 an o$ e$e that the alien be epo$te f$o. the Philippine Islan s to China& I..e iatel5 on $eceipt of this o$ e$# counsel fo$ the alien file in the Cou$t of Fi$st Instance of Manila a petition fo$ a 6$it of "a eas corpusin 6hich# a.on) othe$ thin)s# it 6as alle)e that the $espon ent Collecto$ of Custo.s hel the petitione$ fo$ the pu$pose of epo$tation& Ea$l5 on the .o$nin) of ,ul5 9C# 1H9@# the !ono$able Pe $o Concepcion# ,u )e of Fist Instance# Issue an o$ e$ i$ecte to the Collecto$ of Custo.s $e8ui$in) his appea$ance befo$e the ,u )e of Fi$st Instance one 6ee> late$ to sho6 cause 6h5 the 6$it of "a eas corpus p$a5e fo$ shoul not issue& This o$ e$ of the cou$t 6as se$%e on the Insula$ Collecto$ of Custo.s b5 Antonio e la C$u+# eput5 she$iff of the cit5 of Manila# in co.pan5 6ith a $ep$esentati%e of the counsel fo$ the petitione$# at app$oBi.atel5 1@&C@ on the .o$nin) of ,ul5 9C& M$& Al anese 6as tol A-ue ese chino se %a a epo$ta$ 5 po$ eso la o$ en es esta&A :That that China.an 6ill be epo$te an the$efo$e this is the o$ e$&< Ne%e$theless# on the sa.e afte$noon at about E o'cloc># the Chinese petitione$ 6as place on a boat an epo$te to !on)>on)&

It appea$s that 6hen the Insula$ Collecto$ of Custo.s $ecei%e the o$ e$ of ,u )e Concepcion# he .e$el5 passe it on to M$& Obieta of the sa.e office# 6ith this notationI AFo$6a$ these pape$ 6ith the case to the Atto$ne57*ene$al& 4 V& A&A M$& Obieta foun the pape$s on his es> at about C o'cloc> in the afte$noon# an fo$6a$ e the. to M$& Sotelo# the chief of the i..i)$ation i%ision& M$& Sotelo $ecei%e the o$ e$ on the follo6in) .o$nin)# that is# subse8uent to the epo$tation of the alien& Appa$entl5# the Insula$ Collecto$ of Custo.s ha no eBact >no6le )e of 6hat ha actuall5 occu$e # fo$ on ,ul5 9E# he si)ne a lette$ $e8uestin) the Atto$ne57*ene$al to $ep$esent the inte$ests of the *o%e$n.ent in the case& This the Atto$ne57*ene$al i b5 filin) an ans6e$ on ,ul5 C@# 1H9@# o$ eBactl5 one 6ee> afte$ the China.an ha been sent out of the count$5& These facts constitute# in .5 opinion# const$ucti%e con7te.pt& Pa$aph$asin) the efinitions of conte.pt# the$e has been a is$e)a$ of# o$ isobe ience to# the o$ e$s of a ;u icial bo 5& An act has been one not in the p$esence of the cou$t but at a istance# 6hich ten s to belittle# to obst$uct# to inte$$upt# an to e.ba$$ass the a .inist$ation of ;ustice& It .atte$s not that M$& Al anese ha no .alicious intention of $efusin) obe ience to an o$ e$ of the cou$t# fo$ it is the action one 6hich ete$.ine 6hethe$ a conte.pt has been co..itte & In the 6o$ s of Chief ,ustice Tane5# AAs $e)a$ s the 8uestion 6hethe$ a conte.pt has o$ has not been co..itte # it oes not epen on the intention of the pa$t5# but upon the act he has one& It is a conclusion of la6 f$o. the act3 isobe ience to the le)iti.ate autho$it5 of the cou$t is# b5 la6# a conte.pt# unless the pa$t5 can sho6 sufficient causes to eBcuse it&A :2a$t.an vs. 2a$t.an K1F?CL# 9H Fe & Cas& No& 1G91@&< 2hethe$ intentionall5 o$ unintentionall5# 6hethe$ .aliciousl5 o$ ne)li)entl5# the $esult is as isast$ous to the $i)hts of the pe$son 6ho .i)ht possibl5 ha%e been )$ante a .ission to the Philippine Islan s& Fines fo$ conte.pt of cou$t at least ha%e the .e$it of .a>in) custo.s officials .o$e ca$eful in the pe$fo$.ance of thei$ uties& Fault5 *o%e$n.ental $outine shoul not be pe$.itte to efeat a 6$it as fun a.ental in natu$e as is "a eas corpus& It is sai # ho6e%e$# b5 the .a;o$it5# that fo$ the$e to ha%e been a conte.pt of cou$t# the o$ e$ issue b5 the ;u )e shoul not onl5 ha%e been one $e8ui$in) atten ance to sho6 cause 6h5 the 6$it shoul not issue# but shoul fu$the$ ha%e containe a clause in the natu$e of a p$eli.ina$5 in;unction& The$e is no )ainsa5in) that a ne)ati%e al6a5s .a>es an affi$.ati%e st$on)e$& At the sa.e ti.e it is not usuall5 consi e$e necessa$5 fo$ cou$ts to eBplain thei$ .eanin) b5 $estatin) it in an opposite .anne$& The o$ e$ issue b5 ,u )e Concepcion 6as a ;u icial one# a $eplica of hun $e s of othe$# 6hich shoul ha%e been $especte b5 the $espon ent& Instea # the action of the $espon ent .a e co.pliance i.possible an se$%e to efeat the petition fo$ "a eas corpus& F$o. the .o.ent the o$ e$ 6as $ecei%e b5 the $espon ent# the pe$son of the petitione$ 6as technicall5 in the custo 5 of the la6# an 6hen the $espon ent inte$fe$e 6ith such custo 5 a conte.pt of cou$t 6as co..itte & It is not esi$e b5 this opinion to c$itici+e un ul5 the con uct of the Insula$ Collecto$ of Custo.s& It is onl5 esi$e to uphol the han s of the lo6e$ cou$t in the le)iti.ate pe$fo$.ance of its functions# an to .a>e >no6n that such o$ e$s .ust be $especte &

Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT Manila EN 0ANC G.R. No. L-14639 March -5, 1919 #$C$R"$S *"LL$*"CENC"O, ET $L., petitione$s# %s& JUSTO LU/)$N, ET $L., $espon ents& &lfonso Mendoza for petitioners. Cit# Fiscal Diaz for respondents. M$LCOLM, J.5 The annals of ;u$i ical histo$5 fail to $e%eal a case 8uite as $e.a$>able as the one 6hich this application fo$"a eas corpus sub.its fo$ ecision& 2hile ha$ l5 to be eBpecte to be .et 6ith in this

.o e$n epoch of t$iu.phant e.oc$ac5# 5et# afte$ all# the cause p$esents no )$eat ifficult5 if the$e is >ept in the fo$ef$ont of ou$ .in s the basic p$inciples of popula$ )o%e$n.ent# an if 6e )i%e eBp$ession to the pa$a.ount pu$pose fo$ 6hich the cou$ts# as an in epen ent po6e$ of such a )o%e$n.ent# 6e$e constitute & The p$i.a$5 8uestion is , Shall the ;u icia$5 pe$.it a )o%e$n.ent of the .en instea of a )o%e$n.ent of la6s to be set up in the Philippine Islan sJ O.ittin) .uch eBt$aneous .atte$# of no .o.ent to these p$ocee in)s# but 6hich .i)ht p$o%e p$ofitable $ea in) fo$ othe$ epa$t.ents of the )o%e$n.ent# the facts a$e theseI The Ma5o$ of the cit5 of Manila# ,usto Lu>ban# fo$ the best of all $easons# to eBte$.inate %ice# o$ e$e the se)$e)ate ist$ict fo$ 6o.en of ill $epute# 6hich ha been pe$.itte fo$ a nu.be$ of 5ea$s in the cit5 of Manila# close & 0et6een Octobe$ 1= an Octobe$ 9?# 1H1F# the 6o.en 6e$e >ept confine to thei$ houses in the ist$ict b5 the police& P$esu.abl5# u$in) this pe$io # the cit5 autho$ities 8uietl5 pe$fecte a$$an)e.ents 6ith the 0u$eau of Labo$ fo$ sen in) the 6o.en to Da%ao# Min anao# as labo$e$s3 6ith so.e )o%e$n.ent office fo$ the use of the coast)ua$ cutte$s Corregidor an )egros# an 6ith the Constabula$5 fo$ a )ua$ of sol ie$s& At an5 $ate# about .i ni)ht of Octobe$ 9?# the police# actin) pu$suant to o$ e$s f$o. the chief of police# Anton !oh.ann an the Ma5o$ of the cit5 of Manila# ,usto Lu>ban# escen e upon the houses# hustle so.e 1G@ in.ates into pat$ol 6a)ons# an place the. aboa$ the stea.e$s that a6aite thei$ a$$i%al& The 6o.en 6e$e )i%en no oppo$tunit5 to collect thei$ belon)in)s# an appa$entl5 6e$e un e$ the i.p$ession that the5 6e$e bein) ta>en to a police station fo$ an in%esti)ation& The5 ha no >no6le )e that the5 6e$e estine fo$ a life in Min anao& The5 ha not been as>e if the5 6ishe to epa$t f$o. that $e)ion an ha neithe$ i$ectl5 no$ in i$ectl5 )i%en thei$ consent to the epo$tation& The in%olunta$5 )uests 6e$e $ecei%e on boa$ the stea.e$s b5 a $ep$esentati%e of the 0u$eau of Labo$ an a etach.ent of Constabula$5 sol ie$s& The t6o stea.e$s 6ith thei$ un6illin) passen)e$s saile fo$ Da%ao u$in) the ni)ht of Octobe$ 9?& The %essels $eache thei$ estination at Da%ao on Octobe$ 9H& The 6o.en 6e$e lan e an $eceipte fo$ as labo$e$s b5 F$ancisco Sales# p$o%incial )o%e$no$ of Da%ao# an b5 Feliciano 'Ni)o an Rafael Castillo& The )o%e$no$ an the "acendero 'Ni)o# 6ho appea$ as pa$ties in the case# ha no p$e%ious notification that the 6o.en 6e$e p$ostitutes 6ho ha been eBpelle f$o. the cit5 of Manila& The fu$the$ happenin)s to these 6o.en an the se$ious cha$)es )$o6in) out of alle)e ill7 t$eat.ent a$e of public inte$est# but a$e not essential to the isposition of this case& Suffice it to sa5# )ene$all5# that so.e of the 6o.en .a$$ie # othe$s assu.e .o$e o$ less clan estine $elations 6ith .en# othe$s 6ent to 6o$> in iffe$ent capacities# othe$s assu.e a life un>no6n an isappea$e # an a )oo l5 po$tion foun .eans to $etu$n to Manila& To tu$n bac> in ou$ na$$ati%e# ;ust about the ti.e the Corregidor an the )egros 6e$e puttin) in to Da%ao# the atto$ne5 fo$ the $elati%es an f$ien s of a consi e$able nu.be$ of the epo$tees p$esente an application fo$"a eas corpus to a .e.be$ of the Sup$e.e Cou$t& Subse8uentl5# the application# th$ou)h stipulation of the pa$ties# 6as .a e to inclu e all of the 6o.en 6ho 6e$e sent a6a5 f$o. Manila to Da%ao an # as the sa.e 8uestions conce$ne the. all# the application 6ill be consi e$e as inclu in) the.& The application set fo$th the salient facts# 6hich nee not be $epeate # an alle)e that the 6o.en 6e$e ille)all5 $est$aine of thei$ libe$t5 b5 ,usto Lu>ban# Ma5o$ of the cit5 of Manila# Anton !oh.ann# chief of police of the cit5 of Manila# an b5 ce$tain un>no6n pa$ties& The 6$it 6as .a e $etu$nable befo$e the full cou$t& The cit5 fiscal appea$e fo$ the $espon ents# Lu>ban an !oh.ann# a .itte ce$tain facts $elati%e to se8uest$ation an epo$tation# an p$a5e that the 6$it shoul not be )$ante because the petitione$s 6e$e not p$ope$ pa$ties# because the action shoul ha%e been be)un in the Cou$t of Fi$st Instance fo$ Da%ao# Depa$t.ent of Min anao an Sulu# because the $espon ents i not ha%e an5 of the 6o.en un e$ thei$ custo 5 o$ cont$ol# an because thei$ ;u$is iction i not eBten be5on the boun a$ies of the cit5 of Manila& Acco$ in) to an eBhibit attache to the ans6e$ of the fiscal# the 1G@ 6o.en 6e$e estine to be labo$e$s# at )oo sala$ies# on the "aciendas of 'Ni)o an *o%e$no$ Sales& In open cou$t# the fiscal a .itte # in ans6e$ to 8uestion of a .e.be$ of the cou$t# that these 6o.en ha been sent out of Manila 6ithout thei$ consent& The cou$t a6a$ e the 6$it# in an o$ e$ of No%e.be$ E# that i$ecte ,usto Lu>ban# Ma5o$ of the cit5 of Manila# Anton !oh.ann# chief of police of the cit5 of Manila# F$ancisco Sales# )o%e$no$ of the p$o%ince of Da%ao# an Feliciano 'Ni)o# an "acendero of Da%ao# to

b$in) befo$e the cou$t the pe$sons the$ein na.e # alle)e to be ep$i%e of thei$ libe$t5# on Dece.be$ 9# 1H1F& 0efo$e the ate .entione # se%en of the 6o.en ha $etu$ne to Manila at thei$ o6n eBpense& On .otion of counsel fo$ petitione$s# thei$ testi.on5 6as ta>en befo$e the cle$> of the Sup$e.e Cou$t sittin) as co..issione$s& On the a5 na.e in the o$ e$# Dece.be$ 9n # 1H1F# none of the pe$sons in 6hose behalf the 6$it 6as issue 6e$e p$o uce in cou$t b5 the $espon ents& It has been sho6n that th$ee of those 6ho ha been able to co.e bac> to Manila th$ou)h thei$ o6n effo$ts# 6e$e notifie b5 the police an the sec$et se$%ice to appea$ befo$e the cou$t& The fiscal appea$e # $epeate the facts .o$e co.p$ehensi%el5# $eite$ate the stan ta>en b5 hi. 6hen plea in) to the o$i)inal petition copie a tele)$a. f$o. the Ma5o$ of the cit5 of Manila to the p$o%incial )o%e$no$ of Da%ao an the ans6e$ the$eto# an tele)$a.s that ha passe bet6een the Di$ecto$ of Labo$ an the atto$ne5 fo$ that 0u$eau then in Da%ao# an offe$e ce$tain affi a%its sho6in) that the 6o.en 6e$e containe 6ith thei$ life in Min anao an i not 6ish to $etu$n to Manila& Respon ents Sales ans6e$e alle)in) that it 6as not possible to fulfill the o$ e$ of the Sup$e.e Cou$t because the 6o.en ha ne%e$ been un e$ his cont$ol# because the5 6e$e at libe$t5 in the P$o%ince of Da%ao# an because the5 ha .a$$ie o$ si)ne cont$acts as labo$e$s& Respon ent 'Ni)o ans6e$e alle)in) that he i not ha%e an5 of the 6o.en un e$ his cont$ol an that the$efo$e it 6as i.possible fo$ hi. to obe5 the .an ate& The cou$t# afte$ ue elibe$ation# on Dece.be$ 1@# 1H1F# p$o.ul)ate a secon o$ e$# 6hich $elate that the $espon ents ha not co.plie 6ith the o$i)inal o$ e$ to the satisfaction of the cou$t no$ eBplaine thei$ failu$e to o so# an the$efo$e i$ecte that those of the 6o.en not in Manila be b$ou)ht befo$e the cou$t b5 $espon ents Lu>ban# !oh.ann# Sales# an 'Ni)o on ,anua$5 1C# 1H1H# unless the 6o.en shoul # in 6$itten state.ents %olunta$il5 .a e befo$e the ;u )e of fi$st instance of Da%ao o$ the cle$> of that cou$t# $enounce the $i)ht# o$ unless the $espon ents shoul e.onst$ate so.e othe$ le)al .oti%es that .a e co.pliance i.possible& It 6as fu$the$ state that the 8uestion of 6hethe$ the $espon ents 6e$e in conte.pt of cou$t 6oul late$ be eci e an the $easons fo$ the o$ e$ announce in the final ecision& 0efo$e ,anua$5 1C# 1H1H# fu$the$ testi.on5 inclu in) that of a nu.be$ of the 6o.en# of ce$tain etecti%es an police.en# an of the p$o%incial )o%e$no$ of Da%ao# 6as ta>en befo$e the cle$> of the Sup$e.e Cou$t sittin) as co..issione$ an the cle$> of the Cou$t of Fi$st Instance of Da%ao actin) in the sa.e capacit5& On ,anua$5 1C# 1H1H# the $espon ents technicall5 p$esente befo$e the Cou$t the 6o.en 6ho ha $etu$ne to the cit5 th$ou)h thei$ o6n effo$ts an ei)ht othe$s 6ho ha been b$ou)ht to Manila b5 the $espon ents& Atto$ne5s fo$ the $espon ents# b5 thei$ $etu$ns# once a)ain $ecounte the facts an fu$the$ en ea%o$e to account fo$ all of the pe$sons in%ol%e in the "a eas corpus& In substance# it 6as state that the $espon ents# th$ou)h thei$ $ep$esentati%es an a)ents# ha succee e in b$in)in) f$o. Da%ao 6ith thei$ consent ei)ht 6o.en3 that ei)ht57one 6o.en 6e$e foun in Da%ao 6ho# on notice that if the5 esi$e the5 coul $etu$n to Manila# t$anspo$tation fee# $enounce the $i)ht th$ou)h s6o$n state.ents3 that fift57nine ha al$ea 5 $etu$ne to Manila b5 othe$ .eans# an that espite all effo$ts to fin the. t6ent57siB coul not be locate & 0oth counsel fo$ petitione$s an the cit5 fiscal 6e$e pe$.itte to sub.it .e.o$an a& The fi$st fo$.all5 as>e the cou$t to fin ,usto Lu>ban# Ma5o$ of the cit5 of Manila# Anton !oh.ann# chief of police of the cit5 of Manila# ,ose Ro $i)ue+ an Fe$nan o O$ aB# .e.be$s of the police fo$ce of the cit5 of Manila# Feliciano 'Ni)o# an "acendero of Da%ao# Mo esto ,oa8uin# the atto$ne5 fo$ the 0u$eau of Labo$# an Anacleto Dia+# fiscal of the cit5 of Manila# in conte.pt of cou$t& The cit5 fiscal $e8ueste that the replica al +e+orandu+ de los recurridos# :$epl5 to $espon ents' .e.o$an u.< ate ,anua$5 9?# 1H1H# be st$uc> f$o. the $eco$ & In the secon o$ e$# the cou$t p$o.ise to )i%e the $easons fo$ )$antin) the 6$it of "a eas corpus in the final ecision& 2e 6ill no6 p$ocee to o so& One fact# an one fact onl5# nee be $ecalle , these one hun $e an se%ent5 6o.en 6e$e isolate f$o. societ5# an then at ni)ht# 6ithout thei$ consent an 6ithout an5 oppo$tunit5 to consult 6ith f$ien s o$ to efen thei$ $i)hts# 6e$e fo$cibl5 hustle on boa$ stea.e$s fo$ t$anspo$tation to $e)ions un>no6n& Despite the feeble atte.pt to p$o%e that the 6o.en left %olunta$il5 an )la l5# that such 6as not the case is sho6n b5 the .e$e fact that the p$esence of the police an the constabula$5 6as ee.e necessa$5 an that these office$s of the la6 chose the sha es of ni)ht to

cloa> thei$ sec$et an stealth5 acts& In ee # this is a fact i.possible to $efute an p$acticall5 a .itte b5 the $espon ents& 2ith this situation# a cou$t 6oul neBt eBpect to $esol%e the 8uestion , 05 autho$it5 of 6hat la6 i the Ma5o$ an the Chief of Police p$esu.e to act in epo$tin) b5 u$ess these pe$sons f$o. Manila to anothe$ istant localit5 6ithin the Philippine Islan sJ 2e tu$n to the statutes an 6e fin 4 Alien p$ostitutes can be eBpelle f$o. the Philippine Islan s in confo$.it5 6ith an Act of con)$ess& The *o%e$no$7*ene$al can o$ e$ the e%iction of un esi$able aliens afte$ a hea$in) f$o. the Islan s& Act No& ?1H of the Philippine Co..ission an section GCC of the Re%ise O$ inances of the cit5 of Manila p$o%i e fo$ the con%iction an punish.ent b5 a cou$t of ;ustice of an5 pe$son 6ho is a co..on p$ostitute& Act No& FHH autho$i+es the $etu$n of an5 citi+en of the "nite States# 6ho .a5 ha%e been con%icte of %a)$anc5# to the ho.elan & Ne6 'o$> an othe$ States ha%e statutes p$o%i in) fo$ the co..it.ent to the !ouse of Refu)e of 6o.en con%icte of bein) co..on p$ostitutes& Al6a5s a la6O E%en 6hen the health autho$ities co.pel %accination# o$ establish a 8ua$antine# o$ place a lep$ous pe$son in the Culion lepe$ colon5# it is one pu$suant to so.e la6 o$ o$ e$& 0ut one can sea$ch in %ain fo$ an5 la6# o$ e$# o$ $e)ulation# 6hich e%en hints at the $i)ht of the Ma5o$ of the cit5 of Manila o$ the chief of police of that cit5 to fo$ce citi+ens of the Philippine Islan s , an these 6o.en espite thei$ bein) in a sense lepe$s of societ5 a$e ne%e$theless not chattels but Philippine citi+ens p$otecte b5 the sa.e constitutional )ua$anties as a$e othe$ citi+ens , to chan)e thei$ o.icile f$o. Manila to anothe$ localit5& On the cont$a$5# Philippine penal la6 specificall5 punishes an5 public office$ 6ho# not bein) eBp$essl5 autho$i+e b5 la6 o$ $e)ulation# co.pels an5 pe$son to chan)e his $esi ence& In othe$ count$ies# as in Spain an ,apan# the p$i%ile)e of o.icile is ee.e so i.po$tant as to be foun in the 0ill of Ri)hts of the Constitution& "n e$ the A.e$ican constitutional s5ste.# libe$t5 of abo e is a p$inciple so eepl5 i.be e in ;u$isp$u ence an consi e$e so ele.enta$5 in natu$e as not e%en to $e8ui$e a constitutional sanction& E%en the *o%e$no$7*ene$al of the Philippine Islan s# e%en the P$esi ent of the "nite States# 6ho has often been sai to eBe$cise .o$e po6e$ than an5 >in) o$ potentate# has no such a$bit$a$5 p$e$o)ati%e# eithe$ inhe$ent o$ eBp$ess& Much less# the$efo$e# has the eBecuti%e of a .unicipalit5# 6ho acts 6ithin a sphe$e of ele)ate po6e$s& If the .a5o$ an the chief of police coul # at thei$ .e$e behest o$ e%en fo$ the .ost p$aise6o$th5 of .oti%es# $en e$ the libe$t5 of the citi+en so insecu$e# then the p$esi ents an chiefs of police of one thousan othe$ .unicipalities of the Philippines ha%e the sa.e p$i%ile)e& If these officials can ta>e to the.sel%es such po6e$# then an5 othe$ official can o the sa.e& An if an5 official can eBe$cise the po6e$# then all pe$sons 6oul ha%e ;ust as .uch $i)ht to o so& An if a p$ostitute coul be sent a)ainst he$ 6ishes an un e$ no la6 f$o. one localit5 to anothe$ 6ithin the count$5# then official o. can hol the sa.e club o%e$ the hea of an5 citi+en& La6 efines po6e$& Centu$ies a)o Ma)na Cha$ta ec$ee that , ANo f$ee.an shall be ta>en# o$ i.p$isone # o$ be issei+e of his f$eehol # o$ libe$ties# o$ f$ee custo.s# o$ be outla6e # o$ eBile # o$ an5 othe$ 6ise est$o5e 3 no$ 6ill 6e pass upon hi. no$ con e.n hi.# but b5 la6ful ;u ).ent of his pee$s o$ b5 the la6 of the lan & 2e 6ill sell to no .an# 6e 6ill not en5 o$ efe$ to an5 .an eithe$ ;ustice o$ $i)ht&A :Ma)na Cha$ta# H !en&# 111# 199?# Cap& 9H3 1 en)& stat& at La$)e# G&< No official# no .atte$ ho6 hi)h# is abo%e the la6& The cou$ts a$e the fo$u. 6hich functionate to safe)ua$ in i%i ual libe$t5 an to punish official t$ans)$esso$s& AThe la6#A sai ,ustice Mille$# eli%e$in) the opinion of the Sup$e.e Cou$t of the "nite States# Ais the onl5 sup$e.e po6e$ in ou$ s5ste. of )o%e$n.ent# an e%e$5 .an 6ho b5 acceptin) office pa$ticipates in its functions is onl5 the .o$e st$on)l5 boun to sub.it to that sup$e.ac5# an to obse$%e the li.itations 6hich it i.poses upon the eBe$cise of the autho$it5 6hich it )i%es&A :"&S& vs. Lee K1FF9L# 1@= "&S&# 1H=# 99@&< AThe %e$5 i ea#A sai ,ustice Matthe6s of the sa.e hi)h t$ibunal in anothe$ case# Athat one .an .a5 be co.pelle to hol his life# o$ the .eans of li%in)# o$ an5 .ate$ial $i)ht essential to the en;o5.ent of life# at the .e$e 6ill of anothe$# see.s to be intole$able in an5 count$5 6he$e f$ee o. p$e%ails# as bein) the essence of sla%e$5 itself&A :'ic> 2o vs. !op>ins K1FF=L# 11F "&S&# C?=# CG@&< All this eBplains the .oti%e in issuin) the 6$it of "a eas corpus# an .a>es clea$ 6h5 6e sai in the %e$5 be)innin) that the p$i.a$5 8uestion 6as 6hethe$ the cou$ts shoul pe$.it a )o%e$n.ent of .en o$ a )o%e$n.ent of la6s to be establishe in the Philippine Islan s&

2hat a$e the $e.e ies of the unhapp5 %icti.s of official opp$essionJ The $e.e ies of the citi+en a$e th$eeI :1< Ci%il action3 :9< c$i.inal action# an :C< "a eas corpus& The fi$st is an optional but $athe$ slo6 p$ocess b5 6hich the a))$ie%e pa$t5 .a5 $ecoup .one5 a.a)es& It .a5 still $est 6ith the pa$ties in inte$est to pu$sue such an action# but it 6as ne%e$ inten e effecti%el5 an p$o.ptl5 to .eet an5 such situation as that no6 befo$e us& As to c$i.inal $esponsibilit5# it is t$ue that the Penal Co e in fo$ce in these Islan s p$o%i esI An5 public office$ not the$eunto autho$i+e b5 la6 o$ b5 $e)ulations of a )ene$al cha$acte$ in fo$ce in the Philippines 6ho shall banish an5 pe$son to a place .o$e than t6o hun $e >ilo.ete$s istant f$o. his o.icile# eBcept it be b5 %i$tue of the ;u ).ent of a cou$t# shall be punishe b5 a fine of not less than th$ee hun $e an t6ent57fi%e an not .o$e than th$ee thousan t6o hun $e an fift5 pesetas& An5 public office$ not the$eunto eBp$essl5 autho$i+e b5 la6 o$ b5 $e)ulation of a )ene$al cha$acte$ in fo$ce in the Philippines 6ho shall co.pel an5 pe$son to chan)e his o.icile o$ $esi ence shall suffe$ the penalt5 of estie$$o an a fine of not less than siB hun $e an t6ent57fi%e an not .o$e than siB thousan t6o hun $e an fift5 pesetas& :A$t& 911&< 2e ente$tain no oubt but that# if# afte$ ue in%esti)ation# the p$ope$ p$osecutin) office$s fin that an5 public office$ has %iolate this p$o%ision of la6# these p$osecuto$s 6ill institute an p$ess a c$i.inal p$osecution ;ust as %i)o$ousl5 as the5 ha%e efen e the sa.e official in this action& Ne%e$theless# that the act .a5 be a c$i.e an that the pe$sons )uilt5 the$eof can be p$ocee e a)ainst# is no ba$ to the instant p$ocee in)s& To 8uote the 6o$ s of ,u )e Coole5 in a case 6hich 6ill late$ be $efe$$e to , AIt 6oul be a .onst$ous ano.al5 in the la6 if to an application b5 one unla6full5 confine # ta be $esto$e to his libe$t5# it coul be a sufficient ans6e$ that the confine.ent 6as a c$i.e# an the$efo$e .i)ht be continue in efinitel5 until the )uilt5 pa$t5 6as t$ie an punishe the$efo$ b5 the slo6 p$ocess of c$i.inal p$oce u$e&A :In the .atte$ of ,ac>son K1F=GL# 1? Mich&# E1=# ECE&< The 6$it of "a eas corpus 6as e%ise an eBists as a spee 5 an effectual $e.e 5 to $elie%e pe$sons f$o. unla6ful $est$aint# an as the best an onl5 sufficient efense of pe$sonal f$ee o.& An5 fu$the$ $i)hts of the pa$ties a$e left untouche b5 ecision on the 6$it# 6hose p$incipal pu$pose is to set the in i%i ual at libe$t5& *$ante that "a eas corpus is the p$ope$ $e.e 5# $espon ents ha%e $aise th$ee specific ob;ections to its issuance in this instance& The fiscal has a$)ue :l< that the$e is a efect in pa$ties petitione$s# :9< that the Sup$e.e Cou$t shoul not a assu.e ;u$is iction# an :C< that the pe$son in 8uestion a$e not $est$aine of thei$ libe$t5 b5 $espon ents& It 6as finall5 su))este that the ;u$is iction of the Ma5o$ an the chief of police of the cit5 of Manila onl5 eBten s to the cit5 li.its an that pe$fo$ce the5 coul not b$in) the 6o.en f$o. Da%ao& The fi$st efense 6as not p$esente 6ith an5 %i)o$ b5 counsel& The petitione$s 6e$e $elati%es an f$ien s of the epo$tees& The 6a5 the eBpulsion 6as con ucte b5 the cit5 officials .a e it i.possible fo$ the 6o.en to si)n a petition fo$ "a eas corpus& It 6as conse8uentl5 p$ope$ fo$ the 6$it to be sub.itte b5 pe$sons in thei$ behalf& :Co e of C$i.inal P$oce u$e# sec& GF3 Co e of Ci%il P$oce u$e# sec& ?9G&< The la6# in its +ealous $e)a$ fo$ pe$sonal libe$t5# e%en .a>es it the ut5 of a cou$t o$ ;u )e to )$ant a 6$it of "a eas corpus if the$e is e%i ence that 6ithin the cou$t's ;u$is iction a pe$son is un;ustl5 i.p$isone o$ $est$aine of his libe$t5# thou)h no application be .a e the$efo$& :Co e of C$i.inal P$oce u$e# sec& HC&< Petitione$s ha stan in) in cou$t& The fiscal neBt conten e that the 6$it shoul ha%e been as>e fo$ in the Cou$t of Fi$st Instance of Da%ao o$ shoul ha%e been .a e $etu$nable befo$e that cou$t& It is a )ene$al $ule of )oo p$actice that# to a%oi unnecessa$5 eBpense an incon%enience# petitions fo$ "a eas corpus shoul be p$esente to the nea$est ;u )e of the cou$t of fi$st instance& 0ut this is not a ha$ an fast $ule& The 6$it of "a eas corpus .a5 be )$ante b5 the Sup$e.e Cou$t o$ an5 ;u )e the$eof enfo$cible an56he$e in the Philippine Islan s& :Co e of C$i.inal P$oce u$e# sec& GH3 Co e of Ci%il P$oce u$e# sec& ?9=&< 2hethe$ the 6$it shall be .a e $etu$nable befo$e the Sup$e.e Cou$t o$ befo$e an infe$io$ cou$t $ests in the isc$etion of the Sup$e.e Cou$t an is epen ent on the pa$ticula$ ci$cu.stances& In this instance it 6as not sho6n that the Cou$t of Fi$st Instance of Da%ao 6as in session# o$ that the 6o.en ha an5 .eans b5 6hich to a %ance thei$ plea befo$e that cou$t& On the othe$ han # it 6as

sho6n that the petitione$s 6ith thei$ atto$ne5s# an the t6o o$i)inal $espon ents 6ith thei$ atto$ne5# 6e$e in Manila3 it 6as sho6n that the case in%ol%e pa$ties situate in iffe$ent pa$ts of the Islan s3 it 6as sho6n that the 6o.en .i)ht still be i.p$isone o$ $est$aine of thei$ libe$t53 an it 6as sho6n that if the 6$it 6as to acco.plish its pu$pose# it .ust be ta>en co)ni+ance of an eci e i..e iatel5 b5 the appellate cou$t& The failu$e of the supe$io$ cou$t to consi e$ the application an then to )$ant the 6$it 6oul ha%e a.ounte to a enial of the benefits of the 6$it& The last a$)u.ent of the fiscal is .o$e plausible an .o$e ifficult to .eet& 2hen the 6$it 6as p$a5e fo$# sa5s counsel# the pa$ties in 6hose behalf it 6as as>e 6e$e un e$ no $est$aint3 the 6o.en# it is clai.e # 6e$e f$ee in Da%ao# an the ;u$is iction of the .a5o$ an the chief of police i not eBten be5on the cit5 li.its& At fi$st blush# this is a tenable position& On close$ eBa.ination# acceptance of such ictu. is foun to be pe$%e$si%e of the fi$st p$inciples of the 6$it of "a eas corpus& A p$i.e specification of an application fo$ a 6$it of "a eas corpus is $est$aint of libe$t5& The essential ob;ect an pu$pose of the 6$it of "a eas corpus is to in8ui$e into all .anne$ of in%olunta$5 $est$aint as istin)uishe f$o. %olunta$5# an to $elie%e a pe$son the$ef$o. if such $est$aint is ille)al& An5 $est$aint 6hich 6ill p$eclu e f$ee o. of action is sufficient& The fo$cible ta>in) of these 6o.en f$o. Manila b5 officials of that cit5# 6ho han e the. o%e$ to othe$ pa$ties# 6ho eposite the. in a istant $e)ion# ep$i%e these 6o.en of f$ee o. of loco.otion ;ust as effecti%el5 as if the5 ha been i.p$isone & Place in Da%ao 6ithout eithe$ .one5 o$ pe$sonal belon)in)s# the5 6e$e p$e%ente f$o. eBe$cisin) the libe$t5 of )oin) 6hen an 6he$e the5 please & The $est$aint of libe$t5 6hich be)an in Manila continue until the a))$ie%e pa$ties 6e$e $etu$ne to Manila an $elease o$ until the5 f$eel5 an t$ul5 6ai%e his $i)ht& Consi e$ fo$ a .o.ent 6hat an a)$ee.ent 6ith such a efense 6oul .ean& The chief eBecuti%e of an5 .unicipalit5 in the Philippines coul fo$cibl5 an ille)all5 ta>e a p$i%ate citi+en an place hi. be5on the boun a$ies of the .unicipalit5# an then# 6hen calle upon to efen his official action# coul cal.l5 fol his han s an clai. that the pe$son 6as un e$ no $est$aint an that he# the official# ha no ;u$is iction o%e$ this othe$ .unicipalit5& 2e belie%e the t$ue p$inciple shoul be that# if the $espon ent is 6ithin the ;u$is iction of the cou$t an has it in his po6e$ to obe5 the o$ e$ of the cou$t an thus to un o the 6$on) that he has inflicte # he shoul be co.pelle to o so& E%en if the pa$t5 to 6ho. the 6$it is a $esse has ille)all5 pa$te 6ith the custo 5 of a pe$son befo$e the application fo$ the 6$it is no $eason 6h5 the 6$it shoul not issue& If the .a5o$ an the chief of police# actin) un e$ no autho$it5 of la6# coul epo$t these 6o.en f$o. the cit5 of Manila to Da%ao# the sa.e officials .ust necessa$il5 ha%e the sa.e .eans to $etu$n the. f$o. Da%ao to Manila& The $espon ents# 6ithin the $each of p$ocess# .a5 not be pe$.itte to $est$ain a fello6 citi+en of he$ libe$t5 b5 fo$cin) he$ to chan)e he$ o.icile an to a%o6 the act 6ith i.punit5 in the cou$ts# 6hile the pe$son 6ho has lost he$ bi$th$i)ht of libe$t5 has no effecti%e $ecou$se& The )$eat 6$it of libe$t5 .a5 not thus be easil5 e%a e & It .ust be that so.e such 8uestion has he$etofo$e been p$esente to the cou$ts fo$ ecision& Ne%e$theless# st$an)e as it .a5 see.# a close eBa.ination of the autho$ities fails to $e%eal an5 analo)ous case& Ce$tain ecisions of $espectable cou$ts a$e ho6e%e$ %e$5 pe$suasi%e in natu$e& A 8uestion ca.e befo$e the Sup$e.e Cou$t of the State of Michi)an at an ea$l5 ate as to 6hethe$ o$ not a 6$it of"a eas corpus 6oul issue f$o. the Sup$e.e Cou$t to a pe$son 6ithin the ;u$is iction of the State to b$in) into the State a .ino$ chil un e$ )ua$ ianship in the State# 6ho has been an continues to be etaine in anothe$ State& The .e.be$ship of the Michi)an Sup$e.e Cou$t at this ti.e 6as notable& It 6as co.pose of Ma$tin# chief ;ustice# an Coole5# Ca.pbell# an Ch$istianc5# ;ustices& On the 8uestion p$esente the cou$t 6as e8uall5 i%i e & Ca.pbell# ,&# 6ith 6ho. concu$$e Ma$tin# C& ,&# hel that the 6$it shoul be 8uashe & Coole5# ,&# one of the .ost istin)uishe A.e$ican ;u )es an la676$ite$s# 6ith 6ho. concu$$e Ch$istianc5# ,&# hel that the 6$it shoul issue& Since the opinion of ,ustice Ca.pbell 6as p$e icate to a la$)e eBtent on his conception of the En)lish ecisions# an since# as 6ill he$eafte$ appea$# the En)lish cou$ts ha%e ta>en a cont$a$5 %ie6# onl5 the follo6in) elo8uent passa)es f$o. the opinion of ,ustice Coole5 a$e 8uote I

I ha%e not 5et seen sufficient $eason to oubt the po6e$ of this cou$t to issue the p$esent 6$it on the petition 6hich 6as lai befo$e us& & & & It 6oul be st$an)e in ee if# at this late a5# afte$ the eulo)iu.s of siB centu$ies an a half ha%e been eBpen e upon the Ma)na Cha$ta# an $i%e$s of bloo she fo$ its establish.ent3 afte$ its .an5 confi$.ations# until Co>e coul ecla$e in his speech on the petition of $i)ht that AMa)na Cha$ta 6as such a fello6 that he 6ill ha%e no so%e$ei)n#A an afte$ the eBtension of its benefits an secu$ities b5 the petition of $i)ht# bill of $i)hts an "a eas corpus acts# it shoul no6 be isco%e$e that e%asion of that )$eat clause fo$ the p$otection of pe$sonal libe$t5# 6hich is the life an soul of the 6hole inst$u.ent# is so eas5 as is clai.e he$e& If it is so# it is i.po$tant that it be ete$.ine 6ithout ela5# that the le)islatu$e .a5 appl5 the p$ope$ $e.e 5# as I can not oubt the5 6oul # on the sub;ect bein) b$ou)ht to thei$ notice& & & & The secon p$oposition , that the statuto$5 p$o%isions a$e confine to the case of i.p$ison.ent 6ithin the state , see.s to .e to be base upon a .isconception as to the sou$ce of ou$ ;u$is iction& It 6as ne%e$ the case in En)lan that the cou$t of >in)'s bench e$i%e its ;u$is iction to issue an enfo$ce this 6$it f$o. the statute& Statutes 6e$e not passe to )i%e the $i)ht# but to co.pel the obse$%ance of $i)hts 6hich eBiste & & & & The i.po$tant fact to be obse$%e in $e)a$ to the .o e of p$oce u$e upon this 6$it is# that it is i$ecte to an se$%e upon# not the pe$son confine # but his ;ailo$& It oes not $each the fo$.e$ eBcept th$ou)h the latte$& The office$ o$ pe$son 6ho se$%es it oes not unba$ the p$ison oo$s# an set the p$isone$ f$ee# but the cou$t $elie%es hi. b5 co.pellin) the opp$esso$ to $elease his const$aint& The 6hole fo$ce of the 6$it is spent upon the $espon ent# an if he fails to obe5 it# the .eans to be $eso$te to fo$ the pu$poses of co.pulsion a$e fine an i.p$ison.ent& This is the o$ ina$5 .o e of affo$ in) $elief# an if an5 othe$ .eans a$e $eso$te to# the5 a$e onl5 auBilia$5 to those 6hich a$e usual& -"e place of confine+ent is, t"erefore, not i+portant to t"e relief, if t"e guilt# part# is .it"in reac" of process, so t"at # t"e po.er of t"e court "e can e co+pelled to release "is grasp & The ifficult5 of affo$ in) $e $ess is not inc$ease b5 the confine.ent bein) be5on the li.its of the state# eBcept as )$eate$ istance .a5 affect it& The i.po$tant 8uestion is# 6he$e the po6e$ of cont$ol eBe$cise J An I a. a6a$e of no othe$ $e.e 5& :In the .atte$ of ,ac>son K1F=GL# 1? Mich&# E1=&< The opinion of ,u )e Coole5 has since been accepte as autho$itati%e b5 othe$ cou$ts& :Ri%e$s vs. Mitchell K1FF1L# ?G Io6a# 1HC3 0$eene vs. People K1H11L# Colo&# 11G Pac& Rep&# 1@@@3 $* parte 'oun) K1FH9L# ?@ Fe &# ?9=&< The En)lish cou$ts ha%e )i%en ca$eful consi e$ation to the sub;ect& Thus# a chil ha been ta>en out of En)lish b5 the $espon ent& A 6$it of "a eas corpus 6as issue b5 the -ueen's 0ench Di%ision upon the application of the .othe$ an he$ husban i$ectin) the efen ant to p$o uce the chil & The ;u )e at cha.be$s )a%e efen ant until a ce$tain ate to p$o uce the chil # but he i not o so& !is $etu$n state that the chil befo$e the issuance of the 6$it ha been han e o%e$ b5 hi. to anothe$3 that it 6as no lon)e$ in his custo 5 o$ cont$ol# an that it 6as i.possible fo$ hi. to obe5 the 6$it& !e 6as foun in conte.pt of cou$t& On appeal# the cou$t# th$ou)h Lo$ Eshe$# M& R&# sai I A 6$it of "a eas corpus 6as o$ e$e to issue# an 6as issue on ,anua$5 99& That 6$it co..an e the efen ant to ha%e the bo 5 of the chil befo$e a ;u )e in cha.be$s at the Ro5al Cou$ts of ,ustice i..e iatel5 afte$ the $eceipt of the 6$it# to)ethe$ 6ith the cause of he$ bein) ta>en an etaine & -"at is a co++and to ring t"e c"ild efore t"e /udge and +ust e o e#ed, unless so+e la.ful reason can e s"o.n to e*cuse t"e nonproduction of t"e c"ild. 0f it could e s"o.n t"at # reason of "is "aving la.full# parted .it" t"e possession of t"e c"ild efore t"e issuing of t"e .rit, t"e defendant "ad no longer po.er to produce t"e c"ild, t"at +ig"t e an ans.er1 ut in t"e a sence of an# la.ful reason "e is ound to produce t"e c"ild, and, if "e does not, "e is in conte+pt of t"e Court for not o e#ing t"e .rit .it"out la.ful e*cuse& Man5 effo$ts ha%e been .a e in a$)u.ent to shift the 8uestion of conte.pt to so.e ante$io$ pe$io fo$ the pu$pose of sho6in) that 6hat 6as one at so.e

ti.e p$io$ to the 6$it cannot be a conte.pt& 0ut the 8uestion is not as to 6hat 6as one befo$e the issue of the 6$it& The 8uestion is 6hethe$ the$e has been a conte.pt in isobe5in) the 6$it it 6as issue b5 not p$o ucin) the chil in obe ience to its co..an s& :The -ueen vs. 0e$na$ o K1FFHL# 9C -& 0& D&# C@?& See also to the sa.e effect the I$ish case of 0n re Matthe6s# 19 I$& Co.& La6 Rep& KN& S&L# 9CC3 The -ueen vs. 0a$na$ o# *ossa)e's Case K1FH@L# 9E -& 0& D&# 9FC&< A ecision co.in) f$o. the Fe e$al Cou$ts is also of inte$est& A "a eas corpus 6as i$ecte to the efen ant to ha%e befo$e the ci$cuit cou$t of the Dist$ict of Colu.bia th$ee colo$e pe$sons# 6ith the cause of thei$ etention& Da%is# in his $etu$n to the 6$it# state on oath that he ha pu$chase the ne)$oes as sla%es in the cit5 of 2ashin)ton3 that# as he belie%e # the5 6e$e $e.o%e be5on the Dist$ict of Colu.bia befo$e the se$%ice of the 6$it of "a eas corpus# an that the5 6e$e then be5on his cont$ol an out of his custo 5& The e%i ence ten e to sho6 that Da%is ha $e.o%e the ne)$oes because he suspecte the5 6oul appl5 fo$ a 6$it of "a eas corpus& The cou$t hel the $etu$n to be e%asi%e an insufficient# an that Da%is 6as boun to p$o uce the ne)$oes# an Da%is bein) p$esent in cou$t# an $efusin) to p$o uce the.# o$ e$e that he be co..itte to the custo 5 of the .a$shall until he shoul p$o uce the ne)$oes# o$ be othe$6ise ischa$)e in ue cou$se of la6& The cou$t afte$6a$ s o$ e$e that Da%is be $elease upon the p$o uction of t6o of the ne)$oes# fo$ one of the ne)$oes ha $un a6a5 an been lo )e in ;ail in Ma$5lan & Da%is p$o uce the t6o ne)$oes on the last a5 of the te$.& :"nite States vs. Da%is K1FCHL# ? C$anch C&C&# =99# Fe & Cas& No& 1EH9=& See also Robb vs. Connoll5 K1FFCL# 111 "&S&# =9E3 Chu$ch on !abeas# 9n e &# p& 1G@&< 2e fin # the$efo$e# both on $eason an autho$it5# that no one of the efense offe$e b5 the $espon ents constitute a le)iti.ate ba$ to the )$antin) of the 6$it of "a eas corpus& The$e $e.ains to be consi e$e 6hethe$ the $espon ent co.plie 6ith the t6o o$ e$s of the Sup$e.e Cou$t a6a$ in) the 6$it of "a eas corpus# an if it be foun that the5 i not# 6hethe$ the conte.pt shoul be punishe o$ be ta>en as pu$)e & The fi$st o$ e$# it 6ill be $ecalle # i$ecte ,usto Lu>ban# Anton !oh.ann# F$ancisco Sales# an Feliciano 'Ni)o to p$esent the pe$sons na.e in the 6$it befo$e the cou$t on Dece.be$ 9# 1H1F& The o$ e$ 6as ate No%e.be$ E# 1H1F& The $espon ents 6e$e thus )i%en a.ple ti.e# p$acticall5 one .onth# to co.pl5 6ith the 6$it& As fa$ as the $eco$ iscloses# the Ma5o$ of the cit5 of Manila 6aite until the 91st of No%e.be$ befo$e sen in) a tele)$a. to the p$o%incial )o%e$no$ of Da%ao& Acco$ in) to the $esponse of the atto$ne5 fo$ the 0u$eau of Labo$ to the tele)$a. of his chief# the$e 6e$e then in Da%ao 6o.en 6ho esi$e to $etu$n to Manila# but 6ho shoul not be pe$.itte to o so because of ha%in) cont$acte ebts& The half7hea$te effo$t natu$all5 $esulte in none of the pa$ties in 8uestion bein) b$ou)ht befo$e the cou$t on the a5 na.e & Fo$ the $espon ents to ha%e fulfille the cou$t's o$ e$# th$ee optional cou$ses 6e$e openI :1< The5 coul ha%e p$o uce the bo ies of the pe$sons acco$ in) to the co..an of the 6$it3 o$ :9< the5 coul ha%e sho6n b5 affi a%it that on account of sic>ness o$ infi$.it5 those pe$sons coul not safel5 be b$ou)ht befo$e the cou$t3 o$ :C< the5 coul ha%e p$esente affi a%its to sho6 that the pa$ties in 8uestion o$ thei$ atto$ne5 6ai%e the $i)ht to be p$esent& :Co e of C$i.inal P$oce u$e# sec& FG&< The5 i not p$o uce the bo ies of the pe$sons in 6hose behalf the 6$it 6as )$ante 3 the5 i not sho6 i.possibilit5 of pe$fo$.ance3 an the5 i not p$esent 6$itin)s that 6ai%e the $i)ht to be p$esent b5 those inte$este & Instea a fe6 ste$eot5pe affi a%its pu$po$tin) to sho6 that the 6o.en 6e$e conten e 6ith thei$ life in Da%ao# so.e of 6hich ha%e since been $epu iate b5 the si)ne$s# 6e$e appen e to the $etu$n& That th$ou)h o$ ina$5 ili)ence a consi e$able nu.be$ of the 6o.en# at least siBt5# coul ha%e been b$ou)ht bac> to Manila is e.onst$ate to be foun in the .unicipalit5 of Da%ao# an that about this nu.be$ eithe$ $etu$ne at thei$ o6n eBpense o$ 6e$e p$o uce at the secon hea$in) b5 the $espon ents& The cou$t# at the ti.e the $etu$n to its fi$st o$ e$ 6as .a e# 6oul ha%e been 6a$$ante su..a$il5 in fin in) the $espon ents )uilt5 of conte.pt of cou$t# an in sen in) the. to ;ail until the5 obe5e the o$ e$& Thei$ eBcuses fo$ the non7p$o uction of the pe$sons 6e$e fa$ f$o. sufficient& The# autho$ities cite he$ein pe$tainin) to so.e6hat si.ila$ facts all ten to in icate 6ith 6hat eBactitu e a "a eas corpus 6$it .ust be fulfille & Fo$ eBa.ple# in *ossa)e's case# sup$a# the Ma)ist$ate in $efe$$in) to an

ea$lie$ ecision of the Cou$t# sai I A2e t"oug"t t"at, "aving roug"t a out t"at state of t"ings # "is o.n illegal act, "e +ust ta3e t"e conse!uences3 an 6e sai that he 6as boun to use e%e$5 effo$t to )et the chil bac>3 that he .ust o .uch .o$e than 6$ite lette$s fo$ the pu$pose3 that he .ust a %e$tise in A.e$ica# an e%en if necessa$5 hi.self )o afte$ the chil # an o e%e$5thin) that .o$tal .an coul o in the .atte$3 an that the cou$t 6oul onl5 accept clea$ p$oof of an absolute i.possibilit5 b5 6a5 of eBcuse&A In othe$ 6o$ s# the $etu$n i not sho6 that e%e$5 possible effo$t to p$o uce the 6o.en 6as .a e b5 the $espon ents& That the cou$t fo$ebo$e at this ti.e to ta>e $astic action 6as because it i not 6ish to see p$esente to the public )a+e the spectacle of a clash bet6een eBecuti%e officials an the ;u icia$5# an because it esi$e to )i%e the $espon ents anothe$ chance to e.onst$ate thei$ )oo faith an to .iti)ate thei$ 6$on)& In $esponse to the secon o$ e$ of the cou$t# the $espon ents appea$ to ha%e beco.e .o$e +ealous an to ha%e sho6n a bette$ spi$it& A)ents 6e$e ispatche to Min anao# placa$ s 6e$e poste # the constabula$5 an the .unicipal police ;oine in $oun in) up the 6o.en# an a stea.e$ 6ith f$ee t$anspo$tation to Manila 6as p$o%i e & 2hile cha$)es an counte$7cha$)es in such a bitte$l5 conteste case a$e to be eBpecte # an 6hile a c$itical $ea in) of the $eco$ .i)ht $e%eal a failu$e of lite$al fulfill.ent 6ith ou$ .an ate# 6e co.e to conclu e that the$e is a substantial co.pliance 6ith it& Ou$ fin in) to this effect .a5 be influence so.e6hat b5 ou$ since$e esi$e to see this unhapp5 inci ent finall5 close & If an5 6$on) is no6 bein) pe$pet$ate in Da%ao# it shoul $ecei%e an eBecuti%e in%esti)ation& If an5 pa$ticula$ in i%i ual is still $est$aine of he$ libe$t5# it can be .a e the ob;ect of sepa$ate"a eas corpus p$ocee in)s& Since the 6$it has al$ea 5 been )$ante # an since 6e fin a substantial co.pliance 6ith it# nothin) fu$the$ in this connection $e.ains to be one& The atto$ne5 fo$ the petitione$s as>s that 6e fin in conte.pt of cou$t ,usto Lu>ban# Ma5o$ of the cit5 of Manila# Anton !oh.ann# chief of police of the cit5 of Manila# ,ose Ro $i)ue+# an Fe$nan o O$ aB# .e.be$s of the police fo$ce of the cit5 of Manila# Mo esto ,oa8uin# the atto$ne5 fo$ the 0u$eau of Labo$# Feliciano 'Ni)o# an "acenderoof Da%ao# an Anacleto Dia+# Fiscal of the cit5 of Manila& The po6e$ to punish fo$ conte.pt of cou$t shoul be eBe$cise on the p$ese$%ati%e an not on the %in icti%e p$inciple& Onl5 occasionall5 shoul the cou$t in%o>e its inhe$ent po6e$ in o$ e$ to $etain that $espect 6ithout 6hich the a .inist$ation of ;ustice .ust falte$ o$ fail& Ne%e$theless 6hen one is co..an e to p$o uce a ce$tain pe$son an oes not o so# an oes not offe$ a %ali eBcuse# a cou$t .ust# to %in icate its autho$it5# a ;u )e the $espon ent to be )uilt5 of conte.pt# an .ust o$ e$ hi. eithe$ i.p$isone o$ fine & An office$'s failu$e to p$o uce the bo 5 of a pe$son in obe ience to a 6$it of "a eas corpus 6hen he has po6e$ to o so# is a conte.pt co..itte in the face of the cou$t& :$* parte Ste$ns K1FFFL# GG Cal&# 1?=3 In $e Patte$son K1FFFL# HH N& C&# E@G&< 2ith all the facts an ci$cu.stances in .in # an 6ith ;u icial $e)a$ fo$ hu.an i.pe$fections# 6e cannot sa5 that an5 of the $espon ents# 6ith the possible eBception of the fi$st na.e # has flatl5 isobe5e the cou$t b5 actin) in opposition to its autho$it5& Respon ents !oh.ann# Ro $i)ue+# O$ aB# an ,oa8uin onl5 follo6e the o$ e$s of thei$ chiefs# an 6hile# un e$ the la6 of public office$s# this oes not eBone$ate the. enti$el5# it is ne%e$theless a po6e$ful .iti)atin) ci$cu.stance& The "acendero 'Ni)o appea$s to ha%e been $a6n into the case th$ou)h a .isconst$uction b5 counsel of tele)$aphic co..unications& The cit5 fiscal# Anacleto Dia+# 6oul see. to ha%e one no .o$e than to fulfill his ut5 as the le)al $ep$esentati%e of the cit5 )o%e$n.ent& Fin in) hi. innocent of an5 is$espect to the cou$t# his counte$7.otion to st$i>e f$o. the $eco$ the .e.o$an u. of atto$ne5 fo$ the petitione$s# 6hich b$in)s hi. into this un esi$able position# .ust be )$ante & 2hen all is sai an one# as fa$ as this $eco$ iscloses# the official 6ho 6as p$i.a$il5 $esponsible fo$ the unla6ful epo$tation# 6ho o$ e$e the police to acco.plish the sa.e# 6ho .a e a$$an)e.ents fo$ the stea.e$s an the constabula$5# 6ho con ucte the ne)otiations 6ith the 0u$eau of Labo$# an 6ho late$# as the hea of the cit5 )o%e$n.ent# ha it 6ithin his po6e$ to facilitate the $etu$n of the unfo$tunate 6o.en to Manila# 6as ,usto Lu>ban# the Ma5o$ of the cit5 of Manila& !is intention to supp$ess the social e%il 6as co..en able& !is .etho s 6e$e unla6ful& !is $e)a$ fo$ the 6$it of"a eas corpus issue b5 the cou$t 6as onl5 ta$ il5 an $eluctantl5 ac>no6le )e &

It 6oul be possible to tu$n to the p$o%isions of section ?E= of the Co e of Ci%il P$oce u$e# 6hich $elates to the penalt5 fo$ isobe5in) the 6$it# an in pu$suance the$eof to $e8ui$e $espon ent Lu>ban to fo$feit to the pa$ties a))$ie%e as .uch as PE@@ each# 6hich 6oul $each to .an5 thousan s of pesos# an in a ition to eal 6ith hi. as fo$ a conte.pt& So.e .e.be$s of the cou$t a$e incline to this ste$n %ie6& It 6oul also be possible to fin that since $espon ent Lu>ban i co.pl5 substantiall5 6ith the secon o$ e$ of the cou$t# he has pu$)e his conte.pt of the fi$st o$ e$& So.e .e.be$s of the cou$t a$e incline to this .e$ciful %ie6& 0et6een the t6o eBt$e.es appea$s to lie the co$$ect fin in)& The failu$e of $espon ent Lu>ban to obe5 the fi$st .an ate of the cou$t ten e to belittle an e.ba$$ass the a .inist$ation of ;ustice to such an eBtent that his late$ acti%it5 .a5 be consi e$e onl5 as eBtenuatin) his con uct& A no.inal fine 6ill at once co..an such $espect 6ithout bein) un ul5 opp$essi%e ,such an a.ount is P1@@& In $esu.e , as befo$e state # no fu$the$ action on the 6$it of "a eas corpus is necessa$5& The $espon ents !oh.ann# Ro $i)ue+# O$ aB# ,oa8uin# 'Ni)o# an Dia+ a$e foun not to be in conte.pt of cou$t& Respon ent Lu>ban is foun in conte.pt of cou$t an shall pa5 into the office of the cle$> of the Sup$e.e Cou$t 6ithin fi%e a5s the su. of one hun $e pesos :P1@@<& The .otion of the fiscal of the cit5 of Manila to st$i>e f$o. the $eco$ theReplica al Me+orandu+ de los Recurridos of ,anua$5 9?# 1H1H# is )$ante & Costs shall be taBe a)ainst $espon ents& So o$ e$e & In conclu in) this te ious an isa)$eeable tas># .a5 6e not be pe$.itte to eBp$ess the hope that this ecision .a5 se$%e to bul6a$> the fo$tifications of an o$ e$l5 )o%e$n.ent of la6s an to p$otect in i%i ual libe$t5 f$o. ille)al enc$oach.ent& &rellano, C.J., &vance4a and Moir, JJ., concu$& Jo"nson, and 5treet, JJ., concu$ in the $esult&

S01ara20 O13n3on4 TORRES, J., issentin)I The un e$si)ne oes not enti$el5 a)$ee to the opinion of the .a;o$it5 in the ecision of the "a eas corpusp$ocee in) a)ainst ,usto Lu>ban# the .a5o$ of this cit5& The$e is nothin) in the $eco$ that sho6s the .oti%e 6hich i.pelle Ma5o$ Lu>ban to obli)e a )$eat nu.be$ of 6o.en of %a$ious a)es# in.ates of the houses of p$ostitution situate in *a$ enia St$eet# ist$ict of Sa.paloc# to chan)e thei$ $esi ence& 2e >no6 no eBp$ess la6# $e)ulation# o$ o$ inance 6hich clea$l5 p$ohibits the openin) of public houses of p$ostitution# as those in the sai *a$ enia St$eet# Sa.paloc& Fo$ this $eason# 6hen .o$e than one hun $e an fift5 6o.en 6e$e asse.ble an place aboa$ a stea.e$ an t$anspo$te to Da%ao# consi e$in) that the eBistence of the sai houses of p$ostitution has been tole$ate fo$ so lon) a ti.e# it is un eniable that the .a5o$ of the cit5# in p$ocee in) in the .anne$ sho6n# acte 6ithout autho$it5 of an5 le)al p$o%ision 6hich constitutes an eBception to the la6s )ua$anteein) the libe$t5 an the in i%i ual $i)hts of the $esi ents of the cit5 of Manila& 2e o not belie%e in the po.p an obstentation of fo$ce ispla5e b5 the police in co.pl5in) 6ith the o$ e$ of the .a5o$ of the cit53 neithe$ o 6e belie%e in the necessit5 of ta>in) the. to the istant ist$ict of Da%ao& The sai )o%e$n.ental autho$it5# in ca$$5in) out his intention to supp$ess the se)$e)ate ist$ict o$ the co..unit5 fo$.e b5 those 6o.en in *a$ enia St$eet# coul ha%e obli)e the sai 6o.en to $etu$n to thei$ fo$.e$ $esi ences in this cit5 o$ in the p$o%inces# 6ithout the necessit5 of t$anspo$tin) the. to Min anao3 hence the sai official is obli)e to b$in) bac> the 6o.en 6ho a$e still in Da%ao so that the5 .a5 $etu$n to the places in 6hich the5 li%e p$io$ to thei$ beco.in) in.ates of ce$tain houses in *a$ enia St$eet& As $e)a$ s the .anne$ 6he$eb5 the .a5o$ co.plie 6ith the o$ e$s of this cou$t# 6e o not fin an5 appa$ent isobe ience an .a$>e absence of $espect in the steps ta>en b5 the .a5o$ of the cit5 an his subo$ inates# if 6e ta>e into account the ifficulties encounte$e in b$in)in) the sai 6o.en 6ho 6e$e f$ee at Da%ao an p$esentin) the. befo$e this cou$t 6ithin the ti.e fiBe # inas.uch as it oes not appea$ that the sai 6o.en 6e$e li%in) to)ethe$ in a )i%en place& It 6as not because the5 6e$e $eall5 etaine # but because on the fi$st a5s the$e 6e$e no houses in 6hich the5 coul li%e

6ith a $elati%e in epen ent f$o. one anothe$# an as a p$oof that the5 6e$e f$ee a nu.be$ of the. $etu$ne to Manila an the othe$s succee e in li%in) sepa$ate f$o. thei$ co.panions 6ho continue li%in) to)ethe$& To ete$.ine 6hethe$ o$ not the .a5o$ acte 6ith a )oo pu$pose an le)al ob;ect an 6hethe$ he has acte in )oo o$ ba faith in p$ocee in) to issol%e the sai co..unit5 of p$ostitutes an to obli)e the. to chan)e thei$ o.icile# it is necessa$5 to consi e$ not onl5 the $i)hts an inte$ests of the sai 6o.en an especiall5 of the pat$ons 6ho ha%e been i$ectin) an con uctin) such a $ep$oachable ente$p$ise an sha.eful business in one of the subu$bs of this cit5# but also the $i)hts an inte$ests of the %e$5 nu.e$ous people of Manila 6he$e $elati%el5 a fe6 t$ansients acci entall5 an fo$ so.e a5s $esi e# the inhabitants the$eof bein) .o$e than th$ee hun $e thousan :C@@#@@@< 6ho can not# 6ith in iffe$ence an 6ithout $epu)nance# li%e in the sa.e place 6ith so .an5 unfo$tunate 6o.en e icate to p$ostitution& If the .ate$ial an .o$al inte$ests of the co..unit5 as 6ell as the e.an s of social .o$alit5 a$e to be ta>en into account# it is not possible to sustain that it is le)al an pe$.issible to establish a house of pan e$in) o$ p$ostitution in the .i st of an enli)htene population# fo$# althou)h the$e 6e$e no positi%e la6s p$ohibitin) the eBistence of such houses 6ithin a ist$ict of Manila# the ictates of co..on sense an ictates of conscience of its inhabitants a$e sufficient to 6a$$ant the public a .inist$ation# actin) co$$ectl5# in eBe$cisin) the ine%itable ut5 of o$ e$in) the closin) an aban on.ent of a house of p$ostitution ostensibl5 open to the public# an of obli)in) the in.ates the$eof to lea%e it# althou)h such a house is inhabite b5 its t$ue o6ne$ 6ho in%o>es in his behalf the p$otection of the constitutional la6 )ua$anteein) his libe$t5# his in i%i ual $i)hts# an his $i)ht to p$ope$t5& A chole$a patient# a lepe$# o$ an5 othe$ pe$son affecte b5 a >no6n conta)ious isease cannot in%o>e in his fa%o$ the constitutional la6 6hich )ua$antees his libe$t5 an in i%i ual $i)hts# shoul the a .inist$ati%e autho$it5 o$ e$ his hospitali+ation# $eclusion# o$ concent$ation in a ce$tain islan o$ istant point in o$ e$ to f$ee f$o. conta)ious the )$eat .a;o$it5 of the inhabitants of the count$5 6ho fo$tunatel5 o not ha%e such iseases& The sa.e $easons eBist o$ stan )oo 6ith $espect to the unfo$tunate 6o.en e icate to p$ostitution# an such $easons beco.e st$on)e$ because the fi$st pe$sons na.e ha%e cont$acte thei$ iseases 6ithout thei$ >no6le )e an e%en a)ainst thei$ 6ill# 6he$eas the unfo$tunate p$ostitutes %olunta$il5 a opte such .anne$ of li%in) an spontaneousl5 accepte all its conse8uences# >no6in) positi%el5 that thei$ constant inte$cou$se 6ith .en of all classes# not6ithstan in) the cleanliness an p$ecaution 6hich the5 a$e 6ont to a opt# )i%es 6a5 to the sp$ea o$ .ultiplication of the isease >no6n as s5philis# a %ene$eal isease# 6hich# althou)h it constitutes a sec$et isease a.on) .en an 6o.en# is still p$e;u icial to the hu.an species in the sa.e e)$ee# scope# an se$iousness as chole$a# tube$culosis# lep$os5# pest# t5phoi # an othe$ conta)ious iseases 6hich p$o uce )$eat .o$talit5 an %e$5 se$ious p$e;u ice to poo$ hu.anit5& If a 5oun) 6o.an# instea of en)a)in) in an occupation o$ 6o$>s suitable to he$ seB# 6hich can )i%e he$ sufficient $e.une$ation fo$ he$ subsistence# p$efe$s to put he$self un e$ the 6ill of anothe$ 6o.an 6ho is usuall5 ol e$ than she is an 6ho is the .ana)e$ o$ o6ne$ of a house of p$ostitution# o$ spontaneousl5 e icates he$self to this sha.eful p$ofession# it is un eniable that she %olunta$il5 an 6ith he$ o6n >no6le )e $enounces he$ libe$t5 an in i%i ual $i)hts )ua$antee b5 the Constitution# because it is e%i ent that she can not ;oin the societ5 of ecent 6o.en no$ can she eBpect to )et the sa.e $espect that is ue to the latte$# no$ is it possible fo$ he$ to li%e 6ithin the co..unit5 o$ societ5 6ith the sa.e libe$t5 an $i)hts en;o5e b5 e%e$5 citi+en& Consi e$in) he$ ishono$able con uct an life# she shoul the$efo$e be co.p$ise 6ithin that class 6hich is al6a5s sub;ect to the police an sanita$5 $e)ulations con uci%e to the .aintenance of public ecenc5 an .o$alit5 an to the conse$%ation of public health# an fo$ this $eason it shoul not pe$.itte that the unfo$tunate 6o.en e icate to p$ostitution e%a e the ;ust o$ e$s an $esolutions a opte b5 the a .inist$ati%e autho$ities& It is $e)$ettable that unnecessa$5 $i)o$ 6as e.plo5e a)ainst the sai poo$ 6o.en# but those 6ho ha%e been 6o$$5in) so .uch about the p$e;u ice $esultin) f$o. a )o%e$n.ental .easu$e# 6hich bein) a %e$5 $astic $e.e 5 .a5 be consi e$e a$bit$a$5# ha%e faile to consi e$ 6ith ue $eflection

the inte$ests of the inhabitants of this cit5 in )ene$al an pa$ticula$l5 the uties an $esponsibilities 6ei)hin) upon the autho$ities 6hich a .iniste$ an )o%e$n it3 the5 ha%e fo$)otten that .an5 of those 6ho c$itici+e an censu$e the .a5o$ a$e fathe$s of fa.ilies an a$e in ut5 boun to ta>e ca$e of thei$ chil $en& Fo$ the fo$e)oin) $easons# 6e $each the conclusion that 6hen the petitione$s# because of the abno$.al life the5 assu.e # 6e$e obli)e to chan)e thei$ $esi ence not b5 a p$i%ate citi+en but b5 the .a5o$ of the cit5 6ho is i$ectl5 $esponsible fo$ the conse$%ation of public health an social .o$alit5# the latte$ coul ta>e the step he ha ta>en# a%ailin) hi.self of the se$%ices of the police in )oo faith an onl5 6ith the pu$pose of p$otectin) the i..ense .a;o$it5 of the population f$o. the social e%ils an iseases 6hich the houses of p$ostitution situate in *a$ enia St$eet ha%e been p$o ucin)# 6hich houses ha%e been constitutin) fo$ 5ea$s a t$ue cente$ fo$ the p$opa)ation of )ene$al iseases an othe$ e%ils e$i%e the$ef$o.& !ence# in o$ e$in) the issolution an aban on.ent of the sai houses of p$ostitution an the chan)e of the o.icile of the in.ates the$eof# the .a5o$ i not in ba faith %iolate the constitutional la6s 6hich )ua$antees the libe$t5 an the in i%i ual $i)hts of e%e$5 Filipino# inas.uch as the 6o.en petitione$s o not absolutel5 en;o5 the sai libe$t5 an $i)hts# the eBe$cise of 6hich the5 ha%e %olunta$il5 $enounce in eBchan)e fo$ the f$ee p$actice of thei$ sha.eful p$ofession& In %e$5 hi)hl5 a %ance an ci%ili+e count$ies# the$e ha%e been a opte b5 the a .inist$ati%e autho$ities si.ila$ .easu$es# .o$e o$ less $i)o$ous# $espectin) p$ostitutes# consi e$in) the. p$e;u icial to the people# althou)h it is t$ue that in the eBecution of such .easu$es .o$e hu.ane an less $astic p$oce u$es# fortiter in re et suaviter in for+a# ha%e been a opte # but such p$oce u$es ha%e al6a5s ha in %ie6 the ulti.ate ob;ect of the *o%e$n.ent fo$ the sa>e of the co..unit5# that is# puttin) an en to the li%in) to)ethe$ in a ce$tain place of 6o.en e icate to p$ostitution an chan)in) thei$ o.icile# 6ith the p$oble.atical hope that the5 a opt anothe$ .anne$ of li%in) 6hich is bette$ an .o$e useful to the.sel%es an to societ5& In %ie6 of the fo$e)oin) $e.a$>s# 6e shoul hol # as 6e he$eb5 hol # that Ma5o$ ,usto Lu>ban is obli)e to ta>e bac> an $esto$e the sai 6o.en 6ho a$e at p$esent foun in Da%ao# an 6ho esi$e to $etu$n to thei$ fo$.e$ $especti%e $esi ences# not in *a$ enia St$eet# Sa.paloc Dist$ict# 6ith the eBception of the p$ostitutes 6ho shoul eBp$essl5 .a>e >no6n to the cle$> of cou$t thei$ p$efe$ence to $esi e in Da%ao# 6hich .anifestation .ust be .a e un e$ oath& This $esolution .ust be t$ans.itte to the .a5o$ 6ithin the sho$test ti.e possible fo$ its ue co.pliance& The costs shall be cha$)e de officio& $R$ULLO, J., issentin) in pa$tI I $e)$et to issent f$o. the $espectable opinion of the .a;o$it5 in the ecision $en e$e in these p$ocee in)s# 6ith $espect to the fin in) as to the i.po$tance of the conte.pt co..itte # acco$ in) to the sa.e ecision# b5 ,usto Lu>ban# Ma5o$ of the cit5 of Manila# an the conse8uent i.position upon hi. of a no.inal fine of P1@@& In the sai ecision# it is sai I The fi$st o$ e$# it 6ill be $ecalle # i$ecte ,usto Lu>ban# Anton !oh.ann# F$ancisco Sales# an Feliciano 'Ni)o to p$esent the pe$sons na.e in the 6$it befo$e the cou$t on Dece.be$ 9# 1H1F& The o$ e$ 6as ate No%e.be$ E# 1H1F& The $espon ents 6e$e thus )i%en a.ple ti.e# p$acticall5 one .onth# to co.pl5 6ith the 6$it& As fa$ as the $eco$ isclose # the .a5o$ of the cit5 of Manila 6aite until the 91st of No%e.be$ befo$e sen in) a tele)$a. to the p$o%incial )o%e$no$ of Da%ao& Acco$ in) to the $esponse of the Atto$ne5 fo$ the 0u$eau of Labo$ to the tele)$a. of his chief# the$e 6e$e then in Da%ao 6o.en 6ho esi$e to $etu$n to Manila# but 6ho shoul not be pe$.itte to o so because of ha%in) cont$acte ebts& The half7hea$te effo$t natu$all5 $esulte in none of the pa$ties in 8uestion bein) b$ou)ht befo$e the cou$t on the a5 na.e & In acco$ ance 6ith section FG of *ene$al O$ e$s No& ?F# as sai in the sa.e ecision# the $espon ents# fo$ the pu$pose of co.pl5in) 6ith the o$ e$ of the cou$t# coul ha%e# :1< p$o uce the bo ies of the pe$sons acco$ in) to the co..an of the 6$it3 :9< sho6n b5 affi a%its that on account of sic>ness o$ infi$.it5 the sai 6o.en coul not safel5 be b$ou)ht befo$e this cou$t3 an :C<

p$esente affi a%its to sho6 that the pa$ties in 8uestion o$ thei$ la65e$s 6ai%e thei$ $i)ht to be p$esent& Acco$ in) to the sa.e ecision# the sai $espon ents A& & & i not p$o uce the bo ies of the pe$sons in 6hose behalf the 6$it 6as )$ante 3 i not sho6 i.possibilit5 of pe$fo$.ance3 an i not p$esent 6$itin)s# that 6ai%e the $i)ht to be p$esent b5 those inte$este & Instea # a fe6 ste$eot5pe affi a%its pu$po$tin) to sho6 that the 6o.en 6e$e contente 6ith thei$ life in Da%ao# so.e of 6hich ha%e since been $epu iate b5 the si)ne$s# 6e$e appen e to the $etu$n& That th$ou)h o$ ina$5 ili)ence a consi e$able nu.be$ of the 6o.en# at least siBt5# coul ha%e been b$ou)ht bac> to Manila is e.onst$ate b5 the fact that u$in) this ti.e the5 6e$e easil5 to be foun in the .unicipalit5 of Da%ao# an that about this nu.be$ eithe$ $etu$ne at thei$ o6n eBpense o$ 6e$e p$o uce at the secon hea$in) b5 the $espon ents&A The .a;o$it5 opinion also $eco)ni+e that# AThat cou$t# at the ti.e the $etu$n to its fi$st o$ e$ 6as .a e# 6oul ha%e been 6a$$ante su..a$il5 in fin in) the $espon ent )uilt5 of conte.pt of cou$t# an in sen in) the. to ;ail until the5 obe5e the o$ e$& Thei$ eBcuses fo$ the non p$o uction of the pe$sons 6e$e fa$ f$o. sufficient&A To co$$obo$ate this# the .a;o$it5 ecision cites the case of the -ueen vs. 0a$na$ o# *ossa)e's Case :K1FH@L# 9E -& 0& D&# 9FC< an a e Athat the $etu$n i not sho6 that e%e$5 possible effo$t to p$o uce the 6o.en 6as .a e b5 the $espon ents&A 2hen the sai $etu$n b5 the $espon ents 6as .a e to this cou$t in banc an the case iscusse # .5 opinion 6as that Ma5o$ Lu>ban shoul ha%e been i..e iatel5 punishe fo$ conte.pt& Ne%e$theless# a secon o$ e$ $efe$$e to in the ecision 6as issue on Dece.be$ 1@# 1H1F# $e8ui$in) the $espon ents to p$o uce befo$e the cou$t# on ,anua$5 1C# 1H1H# the 6o.en 6ho 6e$e not in Manila# unless the5 coul sho6 that it 6as i.possible to co.pl5 6ith the sai o$ e$ on the t6o )$oun s p$e%iousl5 .entione & 2ith $espect to this secon o$ e$# the sa.e ecision has the follo6in) to sa5I In $esponse to the secon o$ e$ of the cou$t# the $espon ents appea$ to ha%e beco.e .o$e +ealous an to ha%e sho6n a bette$ spi$it& A)ents 6e$e ispatche to Min anao# placa$ s 6e$e poste # the constabula$5 an the .unicipal police ;oine in $oun in) up the 6o.en# an a stea.e$ 6ith f$ee t$anspo$tation to Manila 6as p$o%i e & 2hile cha$)es an counte$cha$)es in such a bitte$l5 conteste case a$e to be eBpecte # an 6hile a c$itical $ea in) of the $eco$ .i)ht $e%eal a failu$e of lite$al fulfill.ent 6ith ou$ .an ate# 6e co.e to conclu e that the$e is a substantial co.pliance 6ith it& I o not a)$ee to this conclusion& The $espon ent .a5o$ of the cit5 of Manila# ,usto Lu>ban# let 1G a5s elapse f$o. the ate of the issuance of the fi$st o$ e$ on No%e.be$ Eth till the 91st of the sa.e .onth befo$e ta>in) the fi$st step fo$ co.pliance 6ith the .an ate of the sai o$ e$3 he 6aite till the 91st of No%e.be$# as the ecision sa5s# befo$e he sent a tele)$a. to the p$o%incial )o%e$no$ o f Da%ao an natu$all5 this half7 hea$te effo$t# as is so 8ualifie in the ecision# $esulte in that none of the 6o.en appea$e befo$e this cou$t on Dece.be$ 9n & Thus# the sai o$ e$ 6as not co.plie 6ith# an in a ition to this nonco.pliance the$e 6as the ci$cu.stances that se%en of the sai 6o.en ha%in) $etu$ne to Manila at thei$ o6n eBpense befo$e the sai secon a5 of Dece.be$ an bein) in the antecha.be$ of the cou$t $oo.# 6hich fact 6as >no6n to Chief of Police !oh.ann# 6ho 6as then p$esent at the t$ial an to the atto$ne5 fo$ the $espon ents# 6e$e not p$o uce befo$e the cou$t b5 the $espon ents no$ i the latte$ sho6 an5 effo$t to p$esent the.# in spite of the fact that thei$ attention 6as calle to this pa$ticula$ b5 the un e$si)ne & The $esult of the sai secon o$ e$ 6as# as is sai in the sa.e ecision# that the $espon ents# on ,anua$5 1Cth# the a5 fiBe fo$ the p$otection of the 6o.en befo$e this cou$t# p$esente technicall5 the se%en :G< 6o.en abo%e7.entione 6ho ha $etu$ne to the cit5 at thei$ o6n eBpense an the othe$ ei)ht :F< 6o.en 6ho. the $espon ents the.sel%es b$ou)ht to Manila# alle)in) .o$eo%e$ that thei$ a)ents an subo$ inates succee e in b$in)in) the. f$o. Da%ao 6ith thei$ consent3 that in Da%ao the5 foun ei)ht57one :F1< 6o.en 6ho# 6hen as>e if the5 esi$e to $etu$n to Manila 6ith f$ee t$anspo$tation# $enounce such a $i)ht# as is sho6n in the affi a%its p$esente b5 the $espon ents to this effect3 that# th$ou)h othe$ .eans# fift57nine :?H< 6o.en ha%e al$ea 5 $etu$ne to Manila# but not6ithstan in) the effo$ts .a e to fin the. it 6as not possible to locate the 6he$eabouts of t6ent57siB :9=< of the.& Thus# in sho$t# out of the one hun $e an ei)ht57one :1F1<

6o.en 6ho# as has been p$e%iousl5 sai # ha%e been ille)all5 etaine b5 Ma5o$ Lu>ban an Chief of Police !oh.ann an t$anspo$te to Da%ao a)ainst thei$ 6ill# onl5 ei)ht :F< ha%e been b$ou)ht to Manila an p$esente befo$e this cou$t b5 the $espon ents in co.pliance 6ith the sai t6o o$ e$s& Fift57nine :?H< of the. ha%e $etu$ne to Manila th$ou)h othe$ .eans not fu$nishe b5 the $espon ents# t6ent57siB of 6ho. 6e$e b$ou)ht b5 the atto$ne5 fo$ the petitione$s# Men o+a# on his $etu$n f$o. Da%ao& The sai atto$ne5 pai out of his o6n poc>et the t$anspo$tation of the sai t6ent57siB 6o.en& A in) to these nu.be$s the othe$ se%en :G< 6o.en 6ho $etu$ne to this cit5 at thei$ o6n eBpense befo$e ,anua$5 1C 6e ha%e a total of siBt57siB :==<# 6hich e%i entl5 p$o%es# on the one han # the falsit5 of the alle)ation b5 the $espon ents in thei$ fi$st ans6e$ at the t$ial of Dece.be$ 9# 1H1F# )i%in) as one of the $easons fo$ thei$ inabilit5 to p$esent an5 of the sai 6o.en that the latte$ 6e$e content 6ith thei$ life in Min anao an i not esi$e to $etu$n to Manila3 an # on the othe$ han # that the $espon ents# especiall5 the fi$st na.e # that is Ma5o$ ,usto Lu>ban# 6ho acte as chief an p$incipal in all that $efe$s to the co.pliance 6ith the o$ e$s issue b5 this cou$t# coul b$in) befo$e Dece.be$ 9n # the ate of the fi$st hea$in) of the case# as 6ell as befo$e ,anua$5 1Cth# the ate fiBe fo$ the co.pliance 6ith the secon o$ e$# if not the se%ent57fou$ :GE< 6o.en al$ea 5 in icate # at least a )$eat nu.be$ of the.# o$ at least siBt5 :=@< of the.# as is sai in the .a;o$it5 ecision# inas.uch as the sai $espon ent coul count upon the ai of the Constabula$5 fo$ces an the .unicipal police# an ha t$anspo$tation facilities fo$ the pu$pose& 0ut the sai $espon ent .a5o$ b$ou)ht onl5 ei)ht :F< of the 6o.en befo$e this cou$t on ,anua$5 1Cth& This fact can not# in .5 ;u ).ent# 6ith ue $espect to the .a;o$it5 opinion# ;ustif5 the conclusion that the sai $espon ent has substantiall5 co.plie 6ith the secon o$ e$ of this cou$t# but on the othe$ han e.onst$ates that he ha not co.plie 6ith the .an ate of this cou$t in its fi$st an secon o$ e$s3 that neithe$ of the sai o$ e$s has been co.plie 6ith b5 the $espon ent ,usto Lu>ban# Ma5o$ of the cit5 of Manila# 6ho is# acco$ in) to the .a;o$it5 ecision# p$incipall5 $esponsible fo$ the conte.pt# to 6hich conclusion I a)$ee& The con uct of the sai $espon ent 6ith $espect to the secon o$ e$ confi$.s the conte.pt co..itte b5 non7co.pliance 6ith the fi$st o$ e$ an constitutes a ne6 conte.pt because of non7co.pliance 6ith the secon # because of the p$o uction of onl5 ei)ht :F< of the one hun $e an ei)ht57one :1F1< 6o.en 6ho ha%e been ille)all5 etaine b5 %i$tue of his o$ e$ an t$anspo$te to Da%ao a)ainst thei$ 6ill# co..ittin) the t6ent57siB :9=< 6o.en 6ho coul not be foun in Da%ao# e.onst$ates in .5 opinion that# not6ithstan in) the natu$e of the case 6hich eals 6ith the $e.e 5 of "a eas corpus# p$esente b5 the petitione$s an in%ol%in) the 8uestion 6hethe$ the5 shoul o$ not be )$ante thei$ libe$t5# the $espon ent has not )i%en ue attention to the sa.e no$ has he .a e an5 effo$t to co.pl5 6ith the secon o$ e$& In othe$ 6o$ s# he has isobe5e the sai t6o o$ e$s3 has espise the autho$it5 of this cou$t3 has faile to )i%e the $espect ue to ;ustice3 an lastl5# he has c$eate an place obstacles to the a .inist$ation of ;ustice in the sai "a eas corpus p$ocee in)# thus p$e%entin)# because of his noto$ious isobe ience# the $esolution of the sai p$ocee in) 6ith the p$o.ptness 6hich the natu$e of the sa.e $e8ui$e & Conte.pt of cou$t has been efine as a espisin) of the autho$it5# ;ustice# o$ i)nit5 of the cou$t3 an he is )uilt5 of conte.pt 6hose con uct is such as ten s to b$in) the autho$it5 an a .inist$ation of the la6 into is$espect o$ is$e)a$ & & & &A :Rulin) Case La6# %ol& =# p& EFF&< It is a )ene$al p$inciple that a isobe ience of an5 %ali o$ e$ of the cou$t constitutes conte.pt# unless the efen ant is unable to co.pl5 the$e6ith& :Rulin) Case La6# %ol& =# p& ?@9&< It is conte.pt to e.plo5 a subte$fu)e to e%a e the ;u ).ent of the cou$t# o$ to obst$uct o$ atte.pt to obst$uct the se$%ice of le)al p$ocess& If a pe$son hin e$s o$ p$e%ents the se$%ice of p$ocess b5 ecei%in) the office$ o$ ci$cu.%entin) hi. b5 an5 .eans# the $esult is the sa.e as thou)h he ha obst$ucte b5 so.e i$ect .eans& :Rulin) Case La6# %ol& =# p& ?@C&< 2hile it .a5 see. so.e6hat incon)$uous to spea># as the cou$ts often o# of enfo$cin) $espect fo$ the la6 an fo$ the .eans it has p$o%i e in ci%ili+e co..unities fo$ establishin) ;ustice# since t$ue $espect ne%e$ co.es in that 6a5# it is appa$ent ne%e$theless that the po6e$ to enfo$ce eco$u. in the cou$ts an obe ience to thei$ o$ e$s an ;ust .easu$es is so essentiall5 a pa$t of the life of the cou$ts that it 6oul be ifficult to concei%e of thei$ usefulness o$ efficienc5 as eBistin) 6ithout it& The$efo$e it .a5 be sai )ene$all5 that 6he$e

ue $espect fo$ the cou$ts as .iniste$s of the la6 is 6antin)# a necessit5 a$ises fo$ the use of co.pulsion# not# ho6e%e$# so .uch to eBcite in i%i ual $espect as to co.pel obe ience o$ to $e.o%e an unla6ful o$ un6a$$ante inte$fe$ence 6ith the a .inist$ation of ;ustice& :Rulin) Case La6# %ol& =# p& EFG&< The po6e$ to punish fo$ conte.pt is as ol as the la6 itself# an has been eBe$cise f$o. the ea$liest ti.es& In En)lan it has been eBe$te 6hen the conte.pt consiste of scan ali+in) the so%e$ei)n o$ his .iniste$s# the la67.a>in) po6e$# o$ the cou$ts& In the A.e$ican states the po6e$ to punish fo$ conte.pt# so fa$ as the eBecuti%e epa$t.ent an the .iniste$s of state a$e conce$ne # an in so.e e)$ee so fa$ as the le)islati%e epa$t.ent is conce$ne # is obsolete# but it has been al.ost uni%e$sall5 p$ese$%e so fa$ as $e)a$ s the ;u icial epa$t.ent& The po6e$ 6hich the cou$ts ha%e of %in icatin) thei$ o6n autho$it5 is a necessa$5 inci ent to e%e$5 cou$t of ;ustice# 6hethe$ of $eco$ o$ not3 an the autho$it5 fo$ issuin) attach.ents in a p$ope$ case fo$ conte.pts out of cou$t# it has been ecla$e # stan s upon the sa.e i..e.o$ial usa)e as suppo$ts the 6hole fab$ic of the co..on la6& & & & :Rulin) Case La6# %ol& =# p& EFH&< The un ispute i.po$tance of the o$ e$s of this cou$t 6hich ha%e been isobe5e 3 the loss of the p$esti)e of the autho$it5 of the cou$t 6hich issue the sai o$ e$s# 6hich loss .i)ht ha%e been cause b5 nonco.pliance 6ith the sa.e o$ e$s on the pa$t of the $espon ent ,usto Lu>ban3 the a.a)es 6hich .i)ht ha%e been suffe$e b5 so.e of the 6o.en ille)all5 etaine # in %ie6 of the fact that the5 6e$e not b$ou)ht to Manila b5 the $espon ents to be p$esente befo$e the cou$t an of the fu$the$ fact that so.e of the. 6e$e obli)e to co.e to this cit5 at thei$ o6n eBpense 6hile still othe$s 6e$e b$ou)ht to Manila b5 the atto$ne5 fo$ the petitione$s# 6ho pai out of his o6n poc>et the t$anspo$tation of the sai 6o.en3 an the ela5 6hich 6as necessa$il5 incu$$e in the $esolution of the petition inte$pose b5 the sai petitione$s an 6hich 6as ue to the fact that the sai o$ e$s 6e$e not oppo$tunatel5 an ul5 obe5e an co.plie 6ith# a$e ci$cu.stances 6hich shoul be ta>en into account in i.posin) upon the $espon ent ,usto Lu>ban the penalt5 co$$espon in) to the conte.pt co..itte b5 hi.# a penalt5 6hich# acco$ in) to section 9C= of the Co e of Ci%il P$oce u$e# shoul consist of a fine not eBcee in) P1#@@@ o$ i.p$ison.ent not eBcee in) .onths# o$ both such fine an i.p$ison.ent& In the i.position of the penalt5# the$e shoul also be ta>en into consi e$ation the special ci$cu.stance that the conte.pt 6as co..itte b5 a public autho$it5# the .a5o$ of the cit5 of Manila# the fi$st eBecuti%e autho$it5 of the cit5# an conse8uentl5# the pe$son obli)e to be the fi$st in )i%in) an eBa.ple of obe ience an $espect fo$ the la6s an the %ali an ;ust o$ e$s of the ul5 constitute autho$ities as 6ell as fo$ the o$ e$s e.anatin) f$o. the cou$ts of ;ustice# an in )i%in) help an ai to the sai cou$ts in o$ e$ that ;ustice .a5 be a .iniste$e 6ith p$o.ptness an $ectitu e& I belie%e# the$efo$e# that instea of the fine of one hun $e pesos :P1@@<# the$e shoul be i.pose upon the $espon ent ,usto Lu>ban a fine of fi%e hun $e pesos :P?@@<# an all the costs shoul be cha$)e a)ainst hi.& Lastl5# I belie%e it to be .5 ut5 to state he$e that the $eco$ s of this p$ocee in) shoul be t$ans.itte to the Atto$ne57*ene$al in o$ e$ that# afte$ a stu 5 of the sa.e an e uction f$o. the testi.on5 6hich he .a5 ee. necessa$5# an the p$ope$ t$ans.ittal of the sa.e to the fiscal of the cit5 of Manila an to the p$o%incial fiscal of Da%ao# both the latte$ shall p$esent the co$$espon in) info$.ations fo$ the p$osecution an punish.ent of the c$i.es 6hich ha%e been co..itte on the occasion 6hen the ille)al etention of the 6o.en 6as ca$$ie into effect b5 Ma5o$ ,usto Lu>ban of the cit5 of Manila an Chief of Police Anton !oh.ann# an also of those c$i.es co..itte b5 $eason of the sa.e etention an 6hile the 6o.en 6e$e in Da%ao& This 6ill be one of the .eans 6he$eb5 the ;ust hope eBp$esse in the .a;o$it5 ecision 6ill be $eali+e # that is# that in the Philippine Islan s the$e shoul eBist a )o%e$n.ent of la6s an not a )o%e$n.ent of .en an that this ecision .a5 se$%e to bul6a$> the fo$tifications of an o$ e$l5 *o%e$n.ent of la6s an to p$otect in i%i ual libe$t5 f$o. ille)al enc$oach.ents& Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT Manila

EN 0ANC G.R. No. L-18365 Ma! 31, 1963

GEORGE (E )"SSC&OP, petitione$7appellee# %s& EM"L"O L. G$L$NG, 3n h34 ca1ac32! a4 Co663443on0r o7 "6638ra23on, $espon ent7appellant& $ngracio Fa re for petitioner'appellee. 6ffice of t"e 5olicitor (eneral for respondent'appellant. RE.ES, J.).L., J.: Appeal on 8uestions of la6 f$o. an o$ e$ issue on 9G Ma$ch 1H=1# in Ci%il Case No& E1EGG of the Cou$t of Fi$st Instance of Manila :,u )e Antonio Cani+a$es# p$esi in)< the ispositi%e po$tion of 6hich $ea sI IN VIE2 OF ALL T!E FORE*OIN* CONSIDERATIONS# an fo$ the p$ope$ ete$.ination of the case of he$ein petitione$# the Cou$t he$eb5 )$ants the petition fo$ p$ohibition an o$ e$s $espon ent Co..issione$ of I..i)$ation to esist an $ef$ain f$o. a$$estin) an eBpellin) the petitione$ f$o. the Philippines unless an until p$ope$ an le)al p$ocee in)s a$e con ucte b5 the 0oa$ of Co..issione$s of the 0u$eau of I..i)$ation in connection 6ith the Application fo$ eBtension of sta5 file b5 petitione$ 6ith sai 0oa$ & The facts a$e not ispute & Petitione$7appellee *eo$)e e 0isschop# an A.e$ican citi+en# 6as allo6e to sta5 in this count$5 fo$ th$ee 5ea$s# eBpi$in) 1 Au)ust 1H?H# as the p$ea$$an)e e.plo5ee of the 0iss.a) P$o uction# Inc&# of 6hich he is p$esi ent an )ene$al .ana)e$& !e applie fo$ eBtension of sta5 6ith the 0u$eau of I..i)$ation# in a lette$ ate 1@ ,ul5 1H?H& In %ie6# ho6e%e$# of confi ential an a.a)in) $epo$ts :EBhibits P# -# an R< of I..i)$ation Office$ 0en;a.in e Mesa to the effect that the 0iss.a) P$o uction# Inc&# is .o$e of a )a.blin) f$ont than the ente$p$ise fo$ p$o.otion of local an i.po$te sho6s that it pu$po$ts to be# an that e 0isschop is suspect of ha%in) e%a e pa5.ent of his inco.e taB# the Co..issione$ of I..i)$ation# in a co..unication of Custo.s of Iloilo e.an e f$o. petitione$ the pa5tion of 1@ Septe.be$ 1H?H# a %ise hi. that his application fo$ eBtension of sta5 as a p$ea$$an)e e.plo5ee has been enie b5 the 0oa$ of Co..issione$s# an that he shoul epa$t 6ithin ? a5s& The$eafte$# counsel of e 0isschop $e8ueste fo$ a cop5 of the a %e$se ecision sai 0oa$ # but the le)al office$ of the 0u$eau of I..i)$ation $eplie # on 11 Septe.be$ 1H?H# in this teno$I In $epl5 to 5ou$s of e%en ate $e8uestin) that 5ou fu$nishe cop5 of the ecision# o$ e$ o$ $esolution of the 0oa$ of Co..issione$s en5in) the application fo$ eBtension of sta5 of M$& *EOR*E DE 0ISSC!OP# please be a %ise that# pu$suant to i..i)$ation p$actice an p$oce u$e an as is usual in such cases 6he$e the $esult is a %ote fo$ enial# fo$ $eason of p$acticabilit5 an eBpe ienc5# no fo$.al ecision# o$ e$ $esolution is p$o.ul)ate b5 the 0oa$ & The enial of the petition fo$ eBtension 6as eBp$esse b5 the .a;o$it5 .e.be$s of the 0oa$ as follo6sI Fo$ enial# Talabis# F79E7?H3 O&(& fo$ eBtension# De la Rosa# Septe.be$ H3

Denial# *alan)# H71@& The$eafte$# M$& 0isschop 6as si.pl5 a %ise of sai Septe.be$ 1@# 1H?H& enial as pe$ lette$ of this Office ate

In %ie6 the$eof# 5ou an 5ou$ client a$e a %ise ane6 that M$& 0isschop is he$eb5 $e8ui$e to epa$t 6ithin fi%e :?< a5s of this notice& No $e8uest fo$ $ein%esti)ation 6as .a e 6ith the 0u$eau of I..i)$ation& Instea # to fo$estall his a$$est an the filin) of the co$$espon in) epo$tation p$ocee in)s# e 0isschop file the p$esent case on 1F Septe.be$ 1H?H& Pen in) $esolution of the .ain case fo$ p$ohibition# a 6$it of p$eli.ina$5 in;unction 6as issue e*'parte b5 the cou$ta !uo on the sa.e a5 o$ e$in) he$ein $espon ent7appellant to esist f$o. a$$estin) an etainin) petitione$7appellee& Du$in) the hea$in)# onl5 ocu.enta$5 e%i ence 6e$e p$esente & In his b$ief# appellant Co..issione$ $aises t6o .ain issuesI That the lo6e$ cou$t e$$e :a< in hol in) that the Co..issione$s of I..i)$ation a$e $e8ui$e b5 la6 to con uct fo$.al hea$in)s on all applications fo$ eBtension of sta5 of aliens# an :b< in $ulin) that sai Co..issione$s a$e en;oine to p$o.ul)ate 6$itten ecisions in such cases& Afte$ a ca$eful stu 5 of the case# 6e full5 a)$ee 6ith appellant's contention on se%e$al )$oun s& 2he$efo$e# the pa$ties $espectfull5 p$a5 that the fo$e)oin) stipulation of facts be a .itte an app$o%e b5 this !ono$able Cou$t# 6ithout p$e;u ice to the pa$ties a ucin) othe$ e%i ence to p$o%e thei$ case not co%e$e b5 this stipulation of facts&
1P6phQ1&NRt

The a .inist$ation of i..i)$ation la6s is the p$i.a$5 an eBclusi%e $esponsibilit5 of the EBecuti%e b$anch of the )o%e$n.ent& EBtension of sta5 of aliens is pu$el5 isc$etiona$5 on the pa$t of the i..i)$ation autho$ities& Since Co..on6ealth Act No& =1C# othe$6ise >no6n as the Philippine I..i)$ation Act of 1HE@# is silent as to the p$oce u$e to be follo6e in these cases# 6e a$e incline to uphol the a$)u.ent that cou$ts ha%e no ;u$is iction to $e%ie6 the pu$el5 a .inist$ati%e p$actice of i..i)$ation autho$ities of not )$antin) fo$.al hea$in)s in ce$tain cases as the ci$cu.stances .a5 6a$$ant# fo$ $easons of p$acticabilit5 an eBpe ienc5& This 6oul not %iolate the ue p$ocess clause if 6e ta>e into account that# in this pa$ticula$ case# the lette$ of appellant7co..issione$ a %isin) e 0isschop to epa$t in ? a5s is a .e$e fo$.alit5# a p$eli.ina$5 step# an # the$efo$e# fa$ f$o. final# because# as alle)e in pa$a)$aph G of appellant's ans6e$ to the co.plaint# the A$e8ui$e.ent to lea%e befo$e the sta$t of the epo$tation p$ocee in)s is onl5 an a %ice to the pa$t5 that unless he epa$ts %olunta$il5# the State 6ill be co.pelle to ta>e steps fo$ his eBpulsionA& It is al$ea 5 a settle $ule in this ;u$is iction that a a5 in cou$t is not a .atte$ of $i)ht in a .inist$ati%e p$ocee in)s& The fact shoul not be lost si)ht of that 6e a$e ealin) 6ith an a .inist$ati%e p$ocee in) an not 6ith a ;u icial p$ocee in)& As ,u )e Coole5# the lea in) A.e$ican 6$ite$ on Constitutional La6# has 6ell sai # ue p$ocess of la6 is not necessa$il5 ;u icial p$ocess3 .uch of the p$ocess b5 .eans of 6hich the *o%e$n.ent is ca$$ie on# an the o$ e$ of societ5 .aintaine # is pu$el5 eBecuti%e o$ a .inist$ati%e# 6hich is as .uch ue p$ocess of la6# as is ;u icial p$ocess& 2hile a a5 in cou$t is a .atte$ of $i)ht in ;u icial p$ocee in)s# in a .inist$ati%e p$ocee in)s# it is othe$6ise since the5 $est upon iffe$ent p$inciples& & & & In ce$tain p$ocee in)s# the$efo$e# of all a .inist$ati%e cha$acte$# it .a5 be state # 6ithout fea$

of cont$a iction# that the $i)ht to a notice an hea$in) a$e not essential to ue p$ocess of la6& :Co$ne;o %s& *ab$iel an P$o%incial 0oa$ of Ri+al# E1 Phil& 1FF# 1H971HE< 2ith $espect to the contention that the ecision of the 0oa$ of Co..issione$s on .atte$s of petition fo$ eBtension of sta5 of aliens shoul be p$o.ul)ate in 6$itin)# appellee $elies on Section F of the I..i)$ation Act# 6hich p$o%i es that in Aan5 case co.in) befo$e the 0oa$ of Co..issione$s# the ecision of an5 t6o .e.be$s shall p$e%ailA& !o6e%e$# 6e a)$ee 6ith the Solicito$ *ene$al that the 6o$ A ecisionA# as e.plo5e in this section# ob%iousl5 $efe$s to the nu.be$ of A%otesA necessa$5 to constitute the ecision of the sai 0oa$ & The Sa.pa)uita Shoe case :*& R& No& L71@9F?# 1E ,an& 1H?F<# 6hich 6as ta>en into account b5 the lo6e$ cou$t# is not applicable to the case at ba$3 it applies to ;u icial ecisions# as p$o%i e in Section 1# Rule C?# of the Rules of Cou$t& On the othe$ han # as pointe out in appellant's b$ief# 6he$e the intention of the la6.a>e$ is othe$6ise# the i..i)$ation la6s specificall5 enu.e$ate 6hen the ecisions of the 0oa$ of Co..issione$s shall be in 6$itin)# to 6itI :1< in cases of appeal f$o. a ecision of the 0oa$ of Special In8ui$5 as to .atte$s of a .ission o$ eBclusion of aliens# as p$o%i e in Section 9G :c< of the I..i)$ation Act3 an :9< the ecision of the 0oa$ of Co..issione$s in cases of epo$tation un e$ Section CG# pa$a)$aphs :a< an :c<& 0ut the$e is nothin) in the i..i)$ation la6 6hich p$o%i es that the 0oa$ of Co..issione$s .ust $en e$ ecisions on petitione$s fo$ eBtension of sta5& Finall5# thou)h not b$ou)ht out in appellant's b$ief the$e is anothe$ $eason 6h5 p$ohibition 6ill not lie he$ein& P$ohibition is not fa%o$e b5 the Cou$ts& The 6$it shoul issue 6ith caution# an onl5 in cases of eBt$e.e necessit5 4 6hich con ition oes not obtain in this case& Mo$eo%e$# it 6ill issue onl5 if the$e is no othe$ plain# spee 5# an a e8uate $e.e 5 :Section 9# Rule =G# Rules of Cou$t<& This Cou$t has al$ea 5 $ule that Athe use of "a eas corpus to test the le)alit5 of aliens' confine.ent an p$opose eBpulsion f$o. the Philippines is no6 a settle p$acticeA :Lao Tan) 0un %& Fab$e# F1 Phil& =F9# =FC<& This is because "a eas corpus# asi e f$o. bein) tho$ou)h an co.plete# affo$ s p$o.pt $elief f$o. unla6ful i.p$ison.ent of an5 >in # an un e$ all ci$cu.stances& It $eaches the facts affectin) ;u$is iction# o$ 6ant of po6e$# b5 the .ost i$ect .etho # an at once $eleases the applicant f$o. $est$aint 6hen it is sho6n to be unautho$i+e :cf& People eB $el& Li%in)ston %& 25att# 1F= N&'& CFC3 GH N&E& CC@<& An it has al$ea 5 been hel b5 a lon) line of A.e$ican ecisions that the eBistence of this a e8uate $e.e 5 b5 "a eas corpus 6ill ba$ the issuance of a 6$it of p$ohibition& It has been $epeate l5 eci e b5 the Sup$e.e Cou$t that the 6$it of "a eas corpus is a p$ope$ $e.e 5 fo$ $e%ie6in) p$ocee in)s fo$ the epo$tation of aliens an to asce$tain 6hethe$ ;u$is iction has been# the$ein eBcee e & "nite States %& ,un) Ah Lun)# 19E "&S& =91# F S& Ct& ==C# C1 L& E & ?H13 Chin 'o6 %& "nite States# 9@F "&S& F# 9F S& Ct& 9@1# =9 L& E & C=H3 N) Fun) !o %& 2hite# 9?H "&S& 9G=# E9 S& Ct& EH9# == L& E & HCF3 0ilo>u.s>5 %& To # 9=C "&S& 1EH# EE S& Ct& ?E# =F L& E & 991& 2hile in the state cou$ts it is %e$5 )ene$all5 hel that the eBistence of an a e8uate $e.e 5 "a eas corpus 6ill p$e%ent the issuance of a 6$it of p$ohibition& Li%in)ston %& 25att# 1F= N& '& CFC# GH N&E& CC@# 1@ L&R&A& :N& S&< 1?H# H Ann& Cas& HG93 Pa$>s %& R5an# E N&M& 1G=# 1GC P& F?F3 In $e !effne$# 1= O>l& C$& =H1# 1F9 P& FF3 State %& Secon ,u icial Dist$ict Cou$t :Ne%&< 1F P& :9 < EEH3 2essels %& Supe$io$ Cou$t# 9@@ Cal& E@C# 9?C P& 1C?# an in 0e fo$ %& 2in)fiel # 9G *$at& C9H# the Sup$e.e Cou$t of Vi$)inia sai that the 6$it of p$ohibition Aissues onl5 in cases of eBt$e.e necessit5& & & & It is a p$inciple of uni%e$sal application# an one 6hich lies at the %e$5 foun ation of the la6 of p$ohibition# that the ;u$is iction is st$ictl5 confine to cases 6he$e no othe$ $e.e 5 eBists3

an it is al6a5s a sufficient $eason fo$ 6ithhol in) the 6$it# an the pa$t5 a))$ie%e has anothe$ an co.plete $e.e 5 at la6A& :(aba ian %& Doa># =? F& K9 L 9@9# 9@?<& 2!EREFORE# the o$ e$ appeale f$o. is $e%e$se & The petition fo$ p$ohibition is is.isse # an the 6$it of p$eli.ina$5 in;unction issue b5 the cou$t a !uo is he$eb5 issol%e # 6ith costs a)ainst petitione$7appellee *eo$)e e 0isschop& So o$ e$e & Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT Manila SECOND DIVISION G.R. No. 1-5901 March 8, -001

E(G$R(O $. T"J"NG an% )"EN*EN"($ R T"J"NG, petitione$s# %s& COURT O' $PPE$LS 9S0:0n2h (3:343on; an% $NGEL"T$ ("$M$NTE, $espon ents& +U"SUM)"NG, J.5 Fo$ $e%ie6 is the ecision of the Cou$t of Appeals ate Ma$ch =# 1HH=# in CA7*&R& SP No& CH@?=# $e%e$sin) the ecision of the Re)ional T$ial Cou$t in a petition fo$ "a eas corpus of E )a$ o Ti;in)# ,$&# alle)e l5 the chil of petitione$s& Petitione$s a$e husban an 6ife& The5 ha%e siB chil $en& The 5oun)est is E )a$ o Ti;in)# ,$&# 6ho 6as bo$n on Ap$il 9G# 1HFH# at the clinic of .i 6ife an $e)iste$e nu$se Lou$ es Vas8ue+ in Sta& Ana# Manila& Petitione$ 0ien%eni a se$%e as the laun $56o.an of p$i%ate $espon ent An)elita Dia.ante# then a $esi ent of Ton o# Manila& Acco$ in) to 0ien%eni a in Au)ust 1HFH# An)elita 6ent to he$ house to fetch he$ fo$ an u$)ent laun $5 ;ob& Since 0ien%eni a 6as on he$ 6a5 to o so.e .a$>etin)# she as>e An)elita to 6ait until she $etu$ne & She also left he$ fou$7.onth ol son# E )a$ o# ,$&# un e$ the ca$e of An)elita as she usuall5 let An)elita ta>e ca$e of the chil 6hile 0ien%eni a 6as oin) laun $5& 2hen 0ien%eni a $etu$ne f$o. the .a$>et# An)elita an E )a$ o# ,$&# 6e$e )one& 0ien%eni a fo$th6ith p$ocee e to An)elita's house in Ton o# Manila# but i not fin the. the$e& An)elita's .ai tol 0ien%eni a that he$ e.plo5e$ 6ent out fo$ a st$oll an tol 0ien%eni a to co.e bac> late$& She $etu$ne to An)elita's house afte$ th$ee a5s# onl5 to isco%e$ that An)elita ha .o%e to anothe$ place& 0ien%eni a then co.plaine to he$ ba$an)a5 chai$.an an also to the police 6ho see.e un.o%e b5 he$ pleas fo$ assistance& Althou)h est$an)e f$o. he$ husban # 0ien%eni a coul not i.a)ine ho6 he$ spouse 6oul $eact to the isappea$ance of thei$ 5oun)est chil an this .a e he$ p$oble. e%en .o$e se$ious& As fate 6oul ha%e it# 0ien%eni a an he$ husban $econcile an to)ethe$# this ti.e# the5 loo>e fo$ thei$ .issin) son in othe$ places& Not6ithstan in) thei$ se$ious effo$ts# the5 sa6 no t$aces of his 6he$eabouts&

Fou$ 5ea$s late$ o$ in Octobe$ 1HHC# 0ien%eni a $ea in a tabloi about the eath of To.as Lope+# alle)e l5 the co..on7la6 husban of An)elita# an 6hose $e.ains 6e$e l5in) in state in !a)ono5# 0ulacan& 0ien%eni a lost no ti.e in )oin) to !a)ono5# 0ulacan# 6he$e she alle)e l5 sa6 he$ son E )a$ o# ,$&# fo$ the fi$st ti.e afte$ fou$ 5ea$s& She clai.s that the bo5# 6ho 6as pointe out to he$ b5 0en;a.in Lope+# a b$othe$ of the late To.as Lope+# 6as al$ea 5 na.e ,ohn Tho.as Lope+& 1 She a%e$s that An)elita $efuse to $etu$n to he$ the bo5 espite he$ e.an to o so& 0ien%eni a an E )a$ o file thei$ petition fo$ habeas co$pus 6ith the t$ial cou$t in o$ e$ to $eco%e$ thei$ son& To substantiate thei$ petition# petitione$s p$esente t6o 6itnesses# na.el5# Lou$ es Vas8ue+ an 0en;a.in Lope+& The fi$st 6itness# Vas8ue+# testifie that she assiste in the eli%e$5 of one E )a$ o Ti;in)# ,$& on Ap$il 9G# 1HFH at he$ clinic in Sta& Ana# Manila& She suppo$te he$ testi.on5 6ith he$ clinical $eco$ s&9 The secon 6itness# 0en;a.in Lope+# ecla$e that his b$othe$# the late To.as Lope+# coul not ha%e possibl5 fathe$e ,ohn Tho.as Lope+ as the latte$ 6as ste$ile& !e $ecalle that To.as .et an acci ent an bu.pe his p$i%ate pa$t a)ainst the e )e of a banca causin) hi. eBc$uciatin) pain an e%entual loss of his chil 7bea$in) capacit5& 0en;a.in fu$the$ ecla$e that To.as a .itte to hi. that ,ohn Tho.as Lope+ 6as onl5 an a opte son an that he an An)elita 6e$e not blesse 6ith chil $en&C Fo$ he$ pa$t# An)elita clai.e that she is the natu$al .othe$ of the chil & She asse$ts that at a)e E9# she )a%e bi$th to ,ohn Tho.as Lope+ on Ap$il 9G# 1HFH# at the clinic of .i 6ife Sosi.a Pan)aniban in Sin)alon)# Manila& She a e # thou)h# that she has t6o othe$ chil $en 6ith he$ $eal husban # An)el Sanche+&E She sai the bi$th of ,ohn Tho.as 6as $e)iste$e b5 he$ co..on7la6 husban # To.as Lope+# 6ith the local ci%il $e)ist$a$ of Manila on Au)ust E# 1HFH& On Ma$ch 1@# 1HH?# the t$ial cou$t conclu e that since An)elita an he$ co..on7la6 husban coul not ha%e chil $en# the alle)e bi$th of ,ohn Tho.as Lope+ is an i.possibilit5& ? The t$ial cou$t also hel that the .ino$ an 0ien%eni a sho6e st$on) facial si.ila$it5& Acco$ in)l5# it $ule that E )a$ o Ti;in)# ,$&# an ,ohn Tho.as Lope+ a$e one an the sa.e pe$son 6ho is the natu$al chil of petitione$s& The t$ial cou$t ec$ee I 2!EREFORE# PREMISES CONSIDERED# ;u ).ent is he$eb5 $en e$e *RANTIN* the petition fo$ !abeas Co$pus# as such# $espon ent An)elita Dia.ante is o$ e$e to i..e iatel5 $elease f$o. he$ pe$sonal custo 5 .ino$ ,ohn Tho.as D& Lope+# an tu$n hi. o%e$ an Mo$ su$$en e$ his pe$son to petitione$s# Spouses E )a$ o A& Ti;in) an 0ien%eni a R& Ti;in)# i..e iatel5 upon $eceipt he$eof& 0$anch She$iff of this Cou$t# Ca$los 0a;a$# is he$eb5 co..an e to i.ple.ent the ecision of this Cou$t b5 assistin) he$ein petitione$s in the $eco%e$5 of the pe$son of thei$ .ino$ son# E )a$ o Ti;in) ,$&# the sa.e pe$son as ,ohn Tho.as D& Lope+& SO ORDERED&= An)elita seasonabl5 file he$ notice of appeal&G Nonetheless# on Au)ust C# 1HHE# the she$iff i.ple.ente the o$ e$ of the t$ial cou$t b5 ta>in) custo 5 of the .ino$& In his $epo$t# the she$iff state that An)elita peacefull5 su$$en e$e the .ino$ an he tu$ne o%e$ the custo 5 of sai chil to petitione$ E )a$ o Ti;in)&F

On appeal# the Cou$t of Appeals $e%e$se an set asi e the ecision $en e$e b5 the t$ial cou$t& The appellate cou$t eBp$esse its oubts on the p$op$iet5 of the "a eas corpus& In its %ie6# the e%i ence a uce b5 0ien%eni a 6as not sufficient to establish that she 6as the .othe$ of the .ino$& It $ule that the lo6e$ cou$t e$$e in ecla$in) that E )a$ o Ti;in)# ,$&# an ,ohn Tho.as Lope+ a$e one an the sa.e pe$son#H an ispose of the case# thusI IN VIE2 OF T!E FORE*OIN*# the ecision of the lo6e$ cou$t ate Ma$ch 1@# 1HH? is he$eb5 REVERSED# an a ne6 one ente$e is.issin) the petition in Spec& P$oc& No& HE7 G1=@=# an i$ectin) the custo 5 of the .ino$ ,ohn Tho.as Lope+ to be $etu$ne to $espon ent An)elita Dia.ante# sai .ino$ ha%in) been un e$ the ca$e of sai $espon ent at the ti.e of the filin) of the petition he$ein& SO ORDERED&1@ Petitione$s sou)ht $econsi e$ation of the abo%e8uote instant petition alle)in)I I T!AT T!E RESPONDENT CO"RT OF APPEALS COMMITTED A *RAVE ERROR 2!EN IT DECLARED T!AT T!E PETITIONERS' ACTION FOR !A0EAS CORP"S IS MEREL' SECONDAR' TO T!E -"ESTION OF FILIATION T!AT T!E PETITIONERS !AD LI(E2ISE PROVEN& II T!AT T!E RESPONDENT CO"RT OF APPEALS ERRED IN REVERSIN* T!E DECISION OF T!E RE*IONAL TRIAL CO"RT DISMISSIN* T!E PETITION FOR A!A0EAS CORP"SA AND DIRECTIN* T!AT T!E C"STOD' OF T!E MINOR ,O!N T!OMAS LOPES 2!O 2AS PROVEN TO T!E SAME MINOR AS ED*ARDO R& TI,IN*# ,R&# 0E RET"RNED TO T!E PRIVATE RESPONDENT&11 In ou$ %ie6# the c$ucial issues fo$ $esolution a$e the follo6in)I :1< 2hethe$ o$ not "a eas corpus is the p$ope$ $e.e 5J :9< 2hethe$ o$ not E )a$ o Ti;in)# ,$&# an ,ohn Tho.as Lope+ a$e one an the sa.e pe$son an is the son of petitione$sJ 2e shall iscuss the t6o issues to)ethe$ since the5 a$e closel5 $elate & The 6$it of "a eas corpus eBten s to all cases of ille)al confine.ent o$ etention b5 6hich an5 pe$son is ep$i%e of his libe$t5# o$ b5 6hich the $i)htful custo 5 of an5 pe$son is 6ithhel f$o. the pe$son entitle the$eto&19 Thus# it is the p$ope$ le)al $e.e 5 to enable pa$ents to $e)ain the custo 5 of a .ino$ chil e%en if the latte$ be in the custo 5 of a thi$ pe$son of his o6n f$ee 6ill& It .a5 e%en be sai that in custo 5 cases in%ol%in) .ino$s# the 8uestion of ille)al an in%olunta$5 $est$aint of libe$t5 is not the un e$l5in) $ationale fo$ the a%ailabilit5 of the 6$it as a $e.e 5& Rathe$# it is p$osecute fo$ the pu$pose of ete$.inin) the $i)ht of custo 5 o%e$ a chil & 1C It .ust be st$esse too that in "a eas corpus p$ocee in)s# the 8uestion of i entit5 is $ele%ant an .ate$ial# sub;ect to the usual p$esu.ptions inclu in) those as to i entit5 of the pe$son& ecision 6hich 6as enie & !ence# the

In this case# the .ino$'s i entit5 is c$ucial in ete$.inin) the p$op$iet5 of the 6$it sou)ht& Thus# it .ust be $esol%e fi$st 6hethe$ the E )a$ o Ti;in)# ,$&# clai.e b5 0ien%eni a to be he$ son# is the sa.e .ino$ na.e ,ohn Tho.as Lope+# 6ho. An)elita insists to be he$ offsp$in)& 2e .ust fi$st ete$.ine 6ho bet6een 0ien%eni a an An)elita is the .ino$'s biolo)ical .othe$& E%i ence .ust necessa$il5 be a uce to p$o%e that t6o pe$sons# initiall5 thou)ht of to be istinct an sepa$ate f$o. each othe$# a$e in ee one an the sa.e&1E Petitione$s .ust con%incin)l5 establish that the .ino$ in 6hose behalf the application fo$ the 6$it is .a e is the pe$son upon 6ho. the5 ha%e $i)htful custo 5& If the$e is oubt on the i entit5 of the .ino$ in 6hose behalf the application fo$ the 6$it is .a e# petitione$s cannot in%o>e 6ith ce$taint5 thei$ $i)ht of custo 5 o%e$ the sai .ino$& T$ue# it is not the function of this Cou$t to eBa.ine an e%aluate the p$obati%e %alue of all e%i ence p$esente to the conce$ne t$ibunal 6hich fo$.e the basis of its i.pu)ne ecision# $esolution o$ o$ e$&1? 0ut since the conclusions of the Cou$t of Appeals cont$a ict those of the t$ial cou$t# this Cou$t .a5 sc$utini+e the e%i ence on the $eco$ to ete$.ine 6hich fin in)s shoul be p$efe$$e as .o$e confo$.able to the e%i entia$5 facts& A close sc$utin5 of the $eco$ s of this case $e%eals that the e%i ence p$esente b5 0ien%eni a is sufficient to establish that ,ohn Tho.as Lope+ is actuall5 he$ .issin) son# E )a$ o Ti;in)# ,$& Fi$st# the$e is e%i ence that An)elita coul no lon)e$ bea$ chil $en& F$o. he$ %e$5 lips# she a .itte that afte$ the bi$th of he$ secon chil # she un e$6ent li)ation at the Ma$tine+ !ospital in 1HG@# befo$e she li%e 6ith To.as Lope+ 6ithout the benefit of .a$$ia)e in 1HGE& Assu.in) she ha that li)ation $e.o%e in 1HGF# as she clai.e # she offe$e no e%i ence she )a%e bi$th to a chil bet6een 1HGF to 1HFF o$ fo$ a pe$io of ten 5ea$s& The .i 6ife 6ho alle)e l5 eli%e$e the chil 6as not p$esente in cou$t& No clinical $eco$ s# lo) boo> o$ ischa$)e o$ e$ f$o. the clinic 6e$e e%e$ sub.itte & Secon # the$e is st$on) e%i ence 6hich i$ectl5 p$o%es that To.as Lope+ is no lon)e$ capable of si$in) a son& 0en;a.in Lope+ ecla$e in cou$t that his b$othe$# To.as# 6as ste$ile because of the acci ent an that To.as a .itte to hi. that ,ohn Tho.as Lope+ 6as onl5 an a opte son& Mo$eo%e$# To.as Lope+ an his le)al 6ife# Ma$ia Rapatan Lope+# ha no chil $en afte$ al.ost fifteen 5ea$s to)ethe$& Thou)h To.as Lope+ ha li%e 6ith p$i%ate $espon ent fo$ fou$teen 5ea$s# the5 also bo$e no offsp$in)& Thi$ # 6e fin unusual the fact that the bi$th ce$tificate of ,ohn Tho.as Lope+ 6as file b5 To.as Lope+ instea of the .i 6ife an on Au)ust E# 1HFH# fou$ .onths afte$ the alle)e bi$th of the chil & "n e$ the la6# the atten in) ph5sician o$ .i 6ife in atten ance at bi$th shoul cause the $e)ist$ation of such bi$th& Onl5 in efault of the ph5sician o$ .i 6ife# can the pa$ent $e)iste$ the bi$th of his chil & The ce$tificate .ust be file 6ith the local ci%il $e)ist$a$ 6ithin thi$t5 a5s afte$ the bi$th&1= Si)nificantl5# the bi$th ce$tificate of the chil state To.as Lope+ an p$i%ate $espon ent 6e$e le)all5 .a$$ie on Octobe$ C1# 1HGE# in !a)ono5# 0ulacan# 6hich is false because e%en p$i%ate $espon ent ha a .itte she is a Aco..on7la6 6ifeA& 1G This false ent$5 puts to oubt the othe$ ata in sai bi$th ce$tificate& Fou$th# the t$ial cou$t obse$%e se%e$al ti.es that 6hen the chil an 0ien%eni a 6e$e both in cou$t# the t6o ha st$on) si.ila$ities in thei$ faces# e5es# e5eb$o6s an hea shapes& Rese.blance bet6een a .ino$ an his alle)e pa$ent is co.petent an .ate$ial e%i ence to establish

pa$enta)e&1F Nee less to st$ess# the t$ial cou$t's conclusion shoul be )i%en hi)h $espect# it ha%in) ha the oppo$tunit5 to obse$%e the ph5sical appea$ances of the .ino$ an petitione$ conce$ne & Fifth# Lou$ es Vas8ue+ testifie that she assiste in 0ien%eni a's )i%in) bi$th to E )a$ o Ti;in)# ,$&# at he$ clinic& "nli>e p$i%ate $espon ent# she p$esente clinical $eco$ s consistin) of a lo) boo># ischa$)e o$ e$ an the si)natu$es of petitione$s& All these consi e$e # 6e a$e const$aine to $ule that sub;ect .ino$ is in ee the son of petitione$s& The 6$it of"a eas corpus is p$ope$ to $e)ain custo 5 of sai chil & A final note& Pa$enta)e 6ill still be $esol%e usin) con%entional .etho s unless 6e a opt the .o e$n an scientific 6a5s a%ailable& Fo$tunatel5# 6e ha%e no6 the facilit5 an eBpe$tise in usin) DNA test1H fo$ i entification an pa$enta)e testin)& The "ni%e$sit5 of the Philippines Natu$al Science Resea$ch Institute :"P7NSRI< DNA Anal5sis Labo$ato$5 has no6 the capabilit5 to con uct DNA t5pin) usin) sho$t tan e. $epeat :STR< anal5sis& The anal5sis is base on the fact that the DNA of a chil Mpe$son has t6o :9< copies# one cop5 f$o. the .othe$ an the othe$ f$o. the fathe$& The DNA f$o. the .othe$# the alle)e fathe$ an chil a$e anal5+e to establish pa$enta)e& 9@ Of cou$se# bein) a no%el scientific techni8ue# the use of DNA test as e%i ence is still open to challen)e& 91 E%entuall5# as the app$op$iate case co.es# cou$ts shoul not hesitate to $ule on the a .issibilit5 of DNA e%i ence& Fo$ it 6as sai # that cou$ts shoul appl5 the $esults of science 6hen co.petentl5 obtaine in ai of situations p$esente # since to $e;ect sai $esult is to en5 p$o)$ess& 99 Thou)h it is not necessa$5 in this case to $eso$t to DNA testin)# in futu$e it 6oul be useful to all conce$ne in the p$o.pt $esolution of pa$enta)e an i entit5 issues& 2!EREFORE# the instant petition is *RANTED& The assaile DECISION of the Cou$t of Appeals is REVERSED an ecision of the Re)ional T$ial Cou$t is REINSTATED& Costs a)ainst the p$i%ate $espon ent& SO ORDERED& epublic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT Manila T!IRD DIVISION G.R. No. 16-,34 $ 8 42 -9, -006 M$R"E $NTONETTE $)"G$"L C. S$L"ENTES, ORL$N(O ). S$L"ENTES, an% ROS$R"O C. S$L"ENTES,Petitione$s# %s& LOR$N S.(. $)$N"LL$, &ONOR$)LE JU(GE PE(RO S$)UN($.O, JR., REG"ON$L TR"$L COURT, )R$NC& -03, MUNT"NLUP$ C"T., Respon ents DECISION +U"SUM)"NG, J.: The instant petition assails the Decision 1 ate No%e.be$ 1@# 9@@C of the Cou$t of Appeals in CA7 *&R& SP No& G?=F@# 6hich is.isse the petition fo$ ce$tio$a$i a)ainst the o$ e$s of the Re)ional

T$ial Cou$t in Special P$ocee in)s No& @C7@@E& Li>e6ise assaile is the Cou$t of AppealsT Resolution 9 ate Ma$ch 1H# 9@@E en5in) $econsi e$ation& The facts of the case a$e as follo6sI P$i%ate $espon ent Lo$an S&D& Abanilla an petitione$ Ma$ie Antonette Abi)ail C& Salientes a$e the pa$ents of the .ino$ Lo$en+o E..anuel S& Abanilla& The5 li%e 6ith Ma$ie AntonetteTs pa$ents# petitione$s O$lan o 0& Salientes an Rosa$io C& Salientes& Due to in7la6s p$oble.s# p$i%ate $espon ent su))este to his 6ife that the5 t$ansfe$ to thei$ o6n house# but Ma$ie Antonette $efuse & So# he alone left the house of the Salientes& The$eafte$# he 6as p$e%ente f$o. seein) his son& Late$# Lo$an S&D& Abanilla in his pe$sonal capacit5 an as the $ep$esentati%e of his son# file a Petition fo$ 7a eas Corpus an Custo 5# C oc>ete as Special P$ocee in)s No& @C7@@E befo$e the Re)ional T$ial Cou$t of Muntinlupa Cit5& On ,anua$5 9C# 9@@C# the t$ial cou$t issue the follo6in) o$ e$I "pon %e$ifie Petition fo$ a 2$it of !abeas Co$pus b5 Petitione$s# the Respon ents Ma$ie Antonette Abi)ail C& Salientes# O$lan o 0& Salientes an Rosa$io C& Salientes a$e he$eb5 i$ecte to p$o uce an b$in) befo$e this Cou$t the bo 5 of .ino$ Lo$en+o E..anuel Salientes Abanilla on ,anua$5 C1# 9@@C at 1I@@ oTcloc> in the afte$noon an to sho6 cause 6h5 the sai chil shoul not be ischa$)e f$o. $est$aint& Let this 2$it be se$%e b5 the She$iff o$ an5 autho$i+e $ep$esentati%e of this Cou$t# 6ho is i$ecte to i..e iatel5 .a>e a $etu$n& SO ORDERED& E Petitione$s .o%e fo$ $econsi e$ation 6hich the cou$t enie & Conse8uentl5# petitione$s file a petition fo$ ce$tio$a$i 6ith the Cou$t of Appeals# but the sa.e 6as is.isse on No%e.be$ 1@# 9@@C& The appellate cou$t affi$.e the Feb$ua$5 9E# 9@@C O$ e$ of the t$ial cou$t hol in) that its ,anua$5 9C# 9@@C O$ e$ i not a6a$ the custo 5 of the 975ea$7ol chil to an5 one but 6as si.pl5 the stan a$ o$ e$ issue fo$ the p$o uction of $est$aine pe$sons& The appellate cou$t hel that the t$ial cou$t 6as still about to con uct a full in8ui$5# in a su..a$5 p$ocee in)# on the cause of the .ino$Ts etention an the .atte$ of his custo 5& The Cou$t of Appeals $ule thusI 2!EREFORE# the petition is he$eb5 DISMISSED fo$ lac> of .e$it& SO ORDERED& ? Petitione$s .o%e fo$ $econsi e$ation# 6hich 6as enie on Ma$ch 1H# 9@@E& !ence# petitione$s inte$pose this appeal b5 ce$tio$a$i ancho$e on the follo6in) )$oun sI 1& The Cou$t of Appeals e$$e in not p$onouncin) the $espon ent ;u )e )$a%el5 abuse his isc$etion# a.ountin) to lac> o$ in eBcess of ;u$is iction in issuin) an o$ e$ fo$ the petitione$7.othe$ to fi$st sho6 cause 6h5 he$ o6n th$ee75ea$ ol chil in he$ custo 5 shoul not be ischa$)e f$o. a so7calle A$est$aintA espite no e%i ence at all of $est$aint an no e%i ence of co.pellin) $easons of

.ate$nal unfitness to ep$i%e the petitione$7.othe$ of he$ .ino$ son of ten e$ 5ea$s& The assaile o$ e$s# $esolutions an ecisions of the lo6e$ cou$t an the Cou$t of Appeals a$e clea$l5 %oi 3 9& The Cou$t of Appeals e$$e in not p$onouncin) that the $espon ent ;u )e )$a%el5 abuse his isc$etion in issuin) a 6$it of habeas co$pus 6hich clea$l5 is not 6a$$ante consi e$in) that the$e is no unla6ful $est$aint b5 the .othe$ an consi e$in) fu$the$ that the la6 p$esu.es the fitness of the .othe$# the$eb5 ne)atin) an5 notion of such .othe$ ille)all5 $est$ainin) o$ confinin) he$ %e$5 o6n son of ten e$ 5ea$s& The petition is not e%en sufficient in substance to 6a$$ant the 6$it& The assaile o$ e$s a$e clea$l5 %oi & C& Cont$a$5 to the Cou$t of Appeals ecision# the A 5o+ ong vs. C&A case suppo$ts $athe$ than ne)ates the position of the petitione$s& E& Cont$a$5 to the Cou$t of Appeals ecision# su..a$5 p$ocee in) oes %iolence to the ten e$7 5ea$s7$ule ?& The Cou$t of Appeals faile to consi e$ that the p$i%ate $espon ent faile to p$esent p$i.a facie p$oof of an5 co.pellin) $eason of the unfitness of the petitione$7.othe$3 =& The Cou$t of Appeals faile to see that the Ne6 Rules on Custo 5 S"FFICES AS REMED'& Plainl5 put# the issue isI Di the Cou$t of Appeals e$$ 6hen it is.isse the petition fo$ ce$tio$a$i a)ainst the t$ial cou$tTs o$ e$s ate ,anua$5 9C# 9@@C an Feb$ua$5 9E# 9@@CJ Petitione$s conten that the o$ e$ is cont$a$5 to A$ticle 91C G of the Fa.il5 Co e# 6hich p$o%i es that no chil un e$ se%en 5ea$s of a)e shall be sepa$ate f$o. the .othe$ unless the cou$t fin s co.pellin) $easons to o$ e$ othe$6ise& The5 .aintain that he$ein $espon ent Lo$an ha the bu$ en of sho6in) an5 co.pellin) $eason but faile to p$esent e%en a pri+a facie p$oof the$eof& Petitione$s posit that e%en assu.in) that the$e 6e$e co.pellin) $easons# the p$ope$ $e.e 5 fo$ p$i%ate $espon ent 6as si.pl5 an action fo$ custo 5# but not "a eas corpus& Petitione$s asse$t that "a eas corpus is una%ailable a)ainst the .othe$ 6ho# un e$ the la6# has the $i)ht of custo 5 of the .ino$& The5 insist the$e 6as no ille)al o$ in%olunta$5 $est$aint of the .ino$ b5 his o6n .othe$& The$e 6as no nee fo$ the .othe$ to sho6 cause an eBplain the custo 5 of he$ %e$5 o6n chil & P$i%ate $espon ent counte$s that petitione$sT a$)u.ent base on A$ticle 91C of the Fa.il5 Co e applies onl5 to the secon pa$t of his petition $e)a$ in) the custo 5 of his son& It oes not a $ess the fi$st pa$t# 6hich pe$tains to his $i)ht as the fathe$ to see his son& !e asse$ts that the 6$it of "a eas corpus is a%ailable a)ainst an5 pe$son 6ho $est$ains the .ino$Ts $i)ht to see his fathe$ an vice versa& !e a%e$s that the instant petition is .e$el5 file fo$ ela5# fo$ ha petitione$s $eall5 inten e to b$in) the chil befo$e the cou$t in acco$ ance 6ith the ne6 $ules on custo 5 of .ino$s# the5 6oul ha%e one so on the ates specifie in the ,anua$5 9C# 9@@C an the Feb$ua$5 9E# 9@@C o$ e$s of the t$ial cou$t& P$i%ate $espon ent .aintains that# un e$ the la6# he an petitione$ Ma$ie Antonette ha%e sha$e custo 5 an pa$ental autho$it5 o%e$ thei$ son& !e alle)es that at ti.es 6hen petitione$ Ma$ie Antonette is out of the count$5 as $e8ui$e of he$ ;ob as an inte$national fli)ht ste6a$ ess# he# the fathe$# shoul ha%e custo 5 of thei$ son an not the .ate$nal )$an pa$ents&
=

As co$$ectl5 pointe out b5 the Cou$t of Appeals# the assaile ,anua$5 9C# 9@@C O$ e$ of the t$ial cou$t i not )$ant custo 5 of the .ino$ to an5 of the pa$ties but .e$el5 i$ecte petitione$s to p$o uce the .ino$ in cou$t an eBplain 6h5 the5 a$e $est$ainin) his libe$t5& The assaile o$ e$ 6as an inte$locuto$5 o$ e$ p$ece ent to the t$ial cou$tTs full in8ui$5 into the issue of custo 5# 6hich 6as still pen in) befo$e it& "n e$ Rule E1# Section 1 F of the Rules of Cou$t# an inte$locuto$5 o$ e$ is not appealable but the a))$ie%e pa$t5 .a5 file an app$op$iate special action un e$ Rule =?& The a))$ie%e pa$t5 .ust sho6 that the cou$t )$a%el5 abuse its isc$etion in issuin) the inte$locuto$5 o$ e$& In the p$esent case# it is incu.bent upon petitione$s to sho6 that the t$ial cou$t )$a%el5 abuse its isc$etion in issuin) the o$ e$& 7a eas corpus .a5 be $eso$te to in cases 6he$e $i)htful custo 5 is 6ithhel f$o. a pe$son entitle the$eto& H"n e$ A$ticle 911 1@ of the Fa.il5 Co e# $espon ent Lo$an an petitione$ Ma$ie Antonette ha%e ;oint pa$ental autho$it5 o%e$ thei$ son an conse8uentl5 ;oint custo 5& Fu$the$# althou)h the couple is sepa$ate de facto# the issue of custo 5 has 5et to be a ;u icate b5 the cou$t& In the absence of a ;u icial )$ant of custo 5 to one pa$ent# both pa$ents a$e still entitle to the custo 5 of thei$ chil & In the p$esent case# p$i%ate $espon entTs cause of action is the ep$i%ation of his $i)ht to see his chil as alle)e in his petition& 11 !ence# the $e.e 5 of "a eas corpus is a%ailable to hi.& In a petition fo$ "a eas corpus# the chil Ts 6elfa$e is the sup$e.e consi e$ation& The Chil an 'outh 2elfa$e Co e 19 une8ui%ocall5 p$o%i es that in all 8uestions $e)a$ in) the ca$e an custo 5# a.on) othe$s# of the chil # his 6elfa$e shall be the pa$a.ount consi e$ation& 1C A)ain# it bea$s st$essin) that the o$ e$ i not )$ant custo 5 of the .ino$ to an5 of the pa$ties but .e$el5 i$ecte petitione$s to p$o uce the .ino$ in cou$t an eBplain 6h5 p$i%ate $espon ent is p$e%ente f$o. seein) his chil & This is in line 6ith the i$ecti%e in Section H 1E of A&M& @C7@E7@E7 SC 1? that 6ithin fifteen a5s afte$ the filin) of the ans6e$ o$ the eBpi$ation of the pe$io to file ans6e$# the cou$t shall issue an o$ e$ $e8ui$in) the $espon ent :he$ein petitione$s< to p$esent the .ino$ befo$e the cou$t& This 6as eBactl5 6hat the cou$t i & Mo$eo%e$# A$ticle 91C of the Fa.il5 Co e eals 6ith the ;u icial a ;u ication of custo 5 an se$%es as a )ui eline fo$ the p$ope$ a6a$ of custo 5 b5 the cou$t& Petitione$s can $aise it as a counte$ a$)u.ent fo$ p$i%ate $espon entTs petition fo$ custo 5& 0ut it is not a basis fo$ p$e%entin) the fathe$ to see his o6n chil & Nothin) in the sai p$o%ision isallo6s a fathe$ f$o. seein) o$ %isitin) his chil un e$ se%en 5ea$s of a)e& In su.# the t$ial cou$t i not e$$ in issuin) the o$ e$s ate ,anua$5 9C# 9@@C an Feb$ua$5 9E# 9@@C& !ence# the Cou$t of Appeals p$ope$l5 is.isse the petition fo$ ce$tio$a$i a)ainst the sai o$ e$s of the t$ial cou$t& <&ERE'ORE# the petition is DENIED& The Decision ate No%e.be$ 1@# 9@@C an the Resolution ate Ma$ch 1H# 9@@E of the Cou$t of Appeals in CA7*&R& SP No& G?=F@ a$e $''"RME(& Costs a)ainst petitione$s& SO OR(ERE(.

Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT Manila EN )$NC G.R. No. 1,09-4 J =! 4, -00,

"n 2h0 6a220r o7 2h0 P02323on 7or &a>0a4 Cor1 4 o7 CE#$R" GON#$LES an% JUL"US MES$ RO)ERTO R$'$EL PUL"(O, petitione$# %s& G0n. E'REN $)U, a4 Ch307 o7 S2a77 o7 2h0 $r60% 'orc04 o7 2h0 Ph3=3113n04 an% a== 10r4on4 ac23n8 3n h34 420a% an% n%0r h34 a 2hor32!, an% GEN. ERNESTO (E LEON, 3n h34 ca1ac32! a4 2h0 '=a8 O773c0r 3n Co66an% o7 2h0 Ph3=3113n0 Na:!, an% a== 10r4on4 ac23n8 3n h34 420a% an% n%0r h34 a 2hor32!,$espon ents& (EC"S"ON C&"CO-N$#$R"O, J.5 0efo$e "s is a Petition fo$ Re%ie6 un e$ Rule E? of the Rules of Cou$t assailin) the Decision 1 of the Cou$t of Appeals in CA7*&R& SP No& H@?E= 6hich is.isse the Petition fo$ 7a eas Corpus file b5 petitione$ Robe$to Rafael Puli o :Puli o< in behalf of Ce+a$i *on+ales an ,ulius Mesa# an i.pose on petitione$ the penalt5 of censu$e# an its Resolution9 ate = ,anua$5 9@@= en5in) his .otion fo$ $econsi e$ation& The facts a$e not ispute & At a$oun one oTcloc> in the .o$nin) of 9G ,ul5 9@@C# th$ee hun $e t6ent57one :C91< ;unio$ office$s an enliste pe$sonnel of the A$.e Fo$ces of the Philippines :AFP< ente$e an too> o%e$ the p$e.ises of the Oa>6oo P$e.ie$e LuBu$5 Apa$t.ents :Oa>6oo < locate at the *lo$ietta Co.pleB# A5ala A%enue# Ma>ati Cit5& The5 isa$.e the secu$it5 )ua$ s of sai establish.ent an plante eBplosi%es in its i..e iate su$$oun in)s& The sol ie$s publicl5 announce that the5 6ent to Oa>6oo to ai$ thei$ )$ie%ances a)ainst the a .inist$ation of P$esi ent *lo$ia Macapa)al A$$o5o :P$esi ent A$$o5o<& The5 ecla$e thei$ 6ith $a6al of suppo$t f$o. the Co..an e$7in7Chief of the AFP U P$esi ent A$$o5o U an e.an e he$ $esi)nation an that of the .e.be$s of he$ cabinet an top office$s of both the AFP an the Philippine National Police :PNP<& At about one oTcloc> in the afte$noon# P$esi ent A$$o5o issue P$ocla.ation No& E9G ecla$in) the count$5 to be un e$ a Astate of $ebellion&A Conse8uentl5# she issue *ene$al O$ e$ No& E i$ectin) the AFP an the PNP to ca$$5 out all $easonable .easu$es# )i%in) ue $e)a$ to constitutional $i)hts# to supp$ess an 8uell the A$ebellion&A Afte$ a se$ies of ne)otiations bet6een the sol ie$s an the )o%e$n.ent ne)otiato$s# the fo$.e$ a)$ee to $etu$n to ba$$ac>s# thus en in) the occupation of Oa>6oo &

A.on) those in%ol%e in the occupation of Oa>6oo 6e$e Ce+a$i *on+ales an ,ulius Mesa# both enliste pe$sonnel of the Philippine Na%5& It is in thei$ behalf that the Petition fo$ !abeas Co$pus 6as file befo$e the Cou$t of Appeals& On 9 Au)ust 9@@C# then AFP Chief of Staff Na$ciso L& Aba5a issue a i$ecti%eC to all Ma;o$ Se$%ice Co..an e$s an to the Chief of the Intelli)ence Se$%ice of the A$.e Fo$ces of the Philippines :ISAFP< $e)a$ in) the Custo 5 of Milita$5 Pe$sonnel In%ol%e in the 9G ,ul5 9@@C Mutin5& On the st$en)th the$eof# *on+ales an Mesa 6e$e ta>en into custo 5 b5 thei$ Se$%ice Co..an e$& *on+ales an Mesa 6e$e not cha$)e befo$e a cou$t .a$tial 6ith %iolation of the A$ticles of 2a$& The5 6e$e# ho6e%e$# a.on) the sol ie$s cha$)e befo$e 0$anch =1 of the Re)ional T$ial Cou$t :RTC< of Ma>ati Cit5# 6ith the c$i.e of Coup D8etat as efine un e$ A$ticle 1CE7A of the Re%ise Penal Co e& Sai case entitle # APeople v. Capt. Milo D. Maestreca+po, et al.A 6as oc>ete as C$i.inal Case No& @C79GFE& On 1F No%e.be$ 9@@C# a Co..it.ent O$ e$ 6as issue b5 the RTC co..ittin) custo 5 of the pe$sons of *on+ales an Mesa to the Co..an in) Office$ of Fo$t San Felipe Na%al 0ase# Ca%ite Cit5&E On F Dece.be$ 9@@C# *on+ales an Mesa 6e$e ischa$)e
?

f$o. .ilita$5 se$%ice&

On 1= Dece.be$ 9@@C# pe$ o$ e$ of the RTC# C$i.inal Case No& @C79GFE 6as consoli ate 6ith C$i.inal Case No& @C79=GF entitle # APeople v. Ra+on B. CardenasA pen in) befo$e 0$anch 1EF of the RTC of Ma>ati Cit5# on the )$oun that the cases a$e foun e on the sa.e facts an Mo$ fo$.e pa$t of a se$ies of offenses of si.ila$ cha$acte$&= In a Manifestation an Motion ate C Ma$ch 9@@E# Co..o o$e No$.an o Na%al# Co..an e$ of Na%al 0ase Ca%ite# as>e the Ma>ati RTC# 0$anch 1EF# to $elie%e hi. of his ut5 as custo ian of *on+ales an Mesa an that the latte$ be t$ansfe$$e to the Ma>ati Cit5 ,ail& G In an O$ e$ ate 9H Ap$il 9@@E# the RTC $elie%e hi. of his ut5 but o$ e$e the t$ansfe$ of *on+ales an Mesa f$o. the Na%al 0ase Ca%ite in San)le5 Point# Ca%ite Cit5# to the Philippine Ma$ine 0$i)a e !ea 8ua$te$s# Philippine Ma$ine# Fo$t 0onifacio# Ta)ui)# Met$o Manila# un e$ the custo 5 of the Co..an e$ of the Ma$ine 0$i)a e of the Philippine Ma$ines# Fo$t 0onifacio# Ta)ui)# Met$o Manila& F In an O$ e$ ate F ,ul5 9@@E# the RTC $esol%e the petitions fo$ bail file b5 the accuse 7sol ie$s& It a .itte *on+ales an Mesa# an t6ent57fi%e othe$ co7accuse to bail pe))in) the a.ount the$eof at P1@@#@@@&@@ each&H On 1H ,ul5 9@@E# both *on+ales an Mesa poste bail&1@ On 9@ ,ul5 9@@E# the RTC issue o$ e$s i$ectin) the Co..an in) Office$ of Philippine Ma$ine Co$ps# Fo$t 0onifacio# Ma>ati Cit5# to $elease *on+ales an Mesa f$o. his custo 5&11 Despite sai o$ e$s an thei$ se$%ice to the .a$ines# *on+ales an Mesa 6e$e not $elease & On 91 ,ul5 9@@E# the People of the Philippines .o%e fo$ pa$tial $econsi e$ation 19 of the o$ e$ )$antin) bail& P$io$ to the $esolution of sai .otion# ,o%encito R& SuNo# Chief State P$osecuto$# a %ise 0$i)& *en& Manuel F& Llena# ,u )e A %ocate *ene$al# to efe$ action on the p$o%isional $elease of *on+ales an Mesa Auntil the Motion fo$ Reconsi e$ation shall ha%e been $esol%e an attaine finalit5&A1C On 9= Octobe$ 9@@E# the RTC enie the .otion fo$ pa$tial $econsi e$ation& 2ith the enial of the Motion fo$ Pa$tial Reconsi e$ation# the People file 6ith the Cou$t of Appeals on E Feb$ua$5 9@@? a special ci%il action fo$ certiorari un e$ Rule =? of the Rules of Cou$t 6ith

u$)ent p$a5e$ fo$ Te.po$a$5 Rest$ainin) O$ e$ :TRO< an Mo$ 2$it of P$eli.ina$5 In;unction# as>in) fo$ the nullification an settin) asi e of the o$ e$s ate F ,ul5 9@@E an 9= Octobe$ 9@@E of ,u )e Osca$ 0& Pi.entel fo$ ha%in) been issue 6ithout ;u$is iction an Mo$ )$a%e abuse of isc$etion a.ountin) to lac> o$ eBcess of ;u$is iction& The Petition fo$ Ce$tio$a$i 6as $affle to the Se%enth Di%ision an 6as oc>ete as CA7*&R& SP No& FFEE@ entitle # APeople of t"e P"ilippines v. 7on. 6scar B. Pi+entel, Presiding Judge of t"e Regional -rial Court of Ma3ati Cit#, Branc" 9:; &A The Cou$t of Appeals :Se%enth Di%ision< i not issue a TRO an Mo$ p$eli.ina$5 in;unction& Since *on+ales an Mesa continue to be in etention# a Petition fo$ 7a eas Corpus1E 6as file b5 petitione$ Puli o on thei$ behalf on 99 ,ul5 9@@?& The case 6as oc>ete as CA7*&R& SP No& H@?E= an $affle to the Thi$ Di%ision& In suppo$t the$eof# it 6as a$)ue that since *on+ales an Mesa a$e no lon)e$ sub;ect to Milita$5 La6 as the5 ha been ischa$)e f$o. the se$%ice on F Dece.be$ 9@@C# an since the5 a$e not cha$)e befo$e a cou$t .a$tial# the .ilita$5 autho$ities ha%e no ;u$is iction to etain the.# an the$e is no le)al )$oun to etain the. fu$the$ because a cou$t o$ e$ fo$ thei$ $elease ha al$ea 5 been issue & On 1@ Au)ust 9@@?# the Cou$t of Appeals :C$ Di%ision< issue a 2$it of 7a eas Corpus i$ectin) $espon ents *en& Ef$en Abu# Chief of Staff of the A$.e Fo$ces of the Philippines# an all pe$sons actin) in his stea an un e$ his autho$it5# an *en& E$nesto e Leon# Fla) Office$ in Co..an of the Philippine Na%5# an all pe$sons actin) in his stea an un e$ his autho$it5# to p$o uce the bo ies of *on+ales an Mesa befo$e the Cou$t an to appea$ an sho6 the cause an %ali it5 of thei$ etention&1? On 1F Au)ust 9@@?# a $etu$n of the 2$it of 7a eas Corpus 6as .a e&1= Respon ents p$a5e that the Petition fo$7a eas Corpus be is.isse p$i.a$il5 on t6o )$oun sI :1< the continue etention of *on+ales an Mesa is ;ustifie because of the pen enc5 of the Petition fo$ Certiorari 8uestionin) the o$ e$ ate F ,ul5 9@@E of the RTC )$antin) bail to *on+ales an Mesa befo$e the G th Di%ision of the Cou$t of Appeals# oc>ete as CA7*&R& SP No& FFEE@3 an :9< petitione$ is )uilt5 of fo$u. shoppin) because of his failu$e to state in the petition that the o$ e$ )$antin) bail has been ele%ate to the Cou$t of Appeals an pen in) befo$e its Gth Di%ision& On H Septe.be$ 9@@?# the Cou$t of Appeals :Gth Di%ision< $en e$e its ecision in CA7*&R& SP No& FFEE@ is.issin) the petition that 8uestione the p$op$iet5 of the )$antin) of bail to *on+ales# Mesa# an t6ent57fi%e of thei$ co7accuse &1G On 19 Septe.be$ 9@@?# the Cou$t of Appeals :C$ Di%ision< is.isse the Petition fo$ 7a eas Corpus fo$ %iolation of Section ?# Rule G of the Rules of Cou$t& It $atiocinate I A $ea in) of the pa$tiesT sub.issions $e%eals a th$eshol issue U the cha$)e of fo$u. shoppin) an the $elate falsit5 in the ce$tification suppo$tin) the petition& 2e .ust initiall5 $esol%e these issues because a fin in) that the petitione$ %iolate Section ?# Rule G of the Rules of Cou$t can lea to the out$i)ht is.issal of the p$esent petition& B B B BBBB The $eco$ s sho6 that the p$esent petition containe the follo6in) ce$tificate of non7fo$u. shoppin)I

AI# RO0ERTO RAFAEL P"LIDO# 6ith office a $ess at "nit 1=@1# 1=th Floo$ 1CH Co$po$ate Cente$ Vale$o St$eet# Ma>ati Cit5# afte$ ha%in) been ul5 s6o$n in acco$ ance 6ith la6# o he$eb5 state thatI 1& I a. the petitione$ in the abo%e7captione case3 9& I ha%e $ea the Petition an cause it to be p$epa$e & All the contents the$eof a$e t$ue to .5 o6n pe$sonal >no6le )e an the $eco$ 3 C& I ha%e not he$etofo$e co..ence an5 action o$ p$ocee in) in%ol%in) the sa.e issues# in the Sup$e.e Cou$t# the Cou$t of Appeals# o$ an5 othe$ t$ibunal o$ a)enc5 an to the best of .5 >no6le )e# no action o$ p$ocee in) is pen in) in the Sup$e.e Cou$t# the Cou$t of Appeals# o$ an5 othe$ t$ibunal o$ a)enc53 eBcept fo$ the $elate cases of A$ugene (onzales et al. vs. (en. )arciso & a#a, et al. # *&R& No& 1=E@@G an A7u+a ono &daza et al., vs. (en. Pedro Ca ua# et al.# *&R& No& 1=@GH9# both a6aitin) the $esolution of the Sup$e.e Cou$t& ?& :sic# shoul be E< If I shoul lea$n of an5 si.ila$ action o$ p$ocee in) file o$ is pen in) in the Sup$e.e Cou$t# the Cou$t of Appeals# o$ an5 othe$ t$ibunal o$ a)enc5# I un e$ta>e to $epo$t such fact 6ithin fi%e :?< a5s the$ef$o. to this Cou$t& The p$esent petition an its acco.pan5in) ce$tification li>e6ise sho6 that the petitione$ ne%e$ .entione the pen enc5 befo$e the Se%enth Di%ision of this Cou$t of the ce$tio$a$i case# SP FFEE@# fo$ the annul.ent of the lo6e$ cou$tTs o$ e$ )$antin) the sol ie$s7accuse Ts petition fo$ bail# 6hen this sa.e lo6e$ cou$t o$ e$ is cite as basis fo$ the i..e iate $elease of *on+ales an Mesa in the p$esent petition& All that the ce$tification .entione 6e$e the $elate cases pen in) befo$e the !ono$able Sup$e.e Cou$t& Neithe$ i the petitione$ co.pl5 6ith his un e$ta>in) un e$ his ce$tification to info$. this Cou$t 6ithin fi%e :?< a5s of the pen enc5 of an5 si.ila$ action o$ p$ocee in) file o$ is pen in) in the Sup$e.e Cou$t# the Cou$t of Appeals# o$ an5 othe$ t$ibunal o$ a)enc5# as in fact the ce$tio$a$i case 6as al$ea 5 pen in) 6ith this Cou$t 6hen the p$esent petition 6as file & The ce$tio$a$i case 6as onl5 b$ou)ht to ou$ attention afte$ the $espon ents file thei$ Retu$n of the 2$it& To be su$e# the petitione$# 6ho is also the counsel fo$ the accuse *on+ales an Mesa in the c$i.inal case befo$e 0$anch 1EF RTC Ma>ati Cit5 an 6ho $ep$esents *on+ales an Mesa as p$i%ate $espon ents in CA7*&R& SP No& FFEE@# cannot fei)n i)no$ance of the pen enc5 of the ce$tio$a$i case& 2h5 he elibe$atel5 >ept the pen enc5 of the ce$tio$a$i case hi en f$o. us# has not been sufficientl5 eBplaine & 2e ha%e no oubt# ho6e%e$# that his elibe$ate act of 6ithhol in) info$.ation on a .ate$ial fact i$ectl5 $e8ui$e to be isclose b5 the Rules of Cou$t cannot but ha%e le)al conse8uences& The p$i.a$5 basis of the p$esent petition is the bail )$ante to an poste b5 *on+ales an Mesa& This is %e$5 clea$ f$o. the petitione$Ts a$)u.ent that AThe continue etention of the enliste pe$sonnel constitutes %iolation of the la6ful o$ e$s of the ci%ilian cou$t&A !e cite in suppo$t of this a$)u.ent the )$ant an the postin) of the bail# an the issuance of the $elease o$ e$s b5 the lo6e$ cou$t& !e i not isclose# ho6e%e$# 6hat subse8uentl5 happene to the o$ e$ )$antin) bail& !e elibe$atel5 o.itte in his na$$ation the fact that the People .o%e to $econsi e$ this o$ e$& Thus# he )a%e the i.p$ession that the o$ e$ )$antin)

bail i..e iatel5 beca.e enfo$ceable an that *on+alesT an MesaTs continue etention is ille)al because thei$ constitutional $i)hts to bail# 6hich ha%e $ecei%e ;u icial i.p$i.atu$# 6e$e continuousl5 bein) %iolate b5 the $espon ents& The petitione$ neBt o.itte the fact that afte$ the enial of its .otion fo$ $econsi e$ation of the o$ e$ )$antin) bail# the People file the ce$tio$a$i case befo$e this Cou$t# see>in) to annul the lo6e$ cou$tTs o$ e$& 2hile 6e a$e a6a$e of the $ule that U t"e +ere pendenc# of a petition for certiorari .ill not prevent t"e i+ple+entation of t"e assailed order unless t"e court ."ere t"e petition .as filed issues eit"er a te+porar# restraining order or a .rit or preli+inar# in/unction U the filin) of a petition fo$ habeas co$pus 6hile the o$ e$ )$antin) bail is bein) 8uestione on a petition fo$ ce$tio$a$i $aises issues be5on the i..e iate eBecution of the lo6e$ cou$tTs bail an $elease o$ e$s& The5 $aise 8uestions on the p$op$iet5 of filin) the habeas co$pus petition to see> the $elease of pe$sons un e$ etention# at the sa.e ti.e that a petition $e)a$ in) thei$ continue etention an $elease a$e pen in)& Appa$entl5# the petitione$ 6ante to a%oi these 8uestions# p$o.ptin) hi. to acti%el5 conceal the subse8uent .otion fo$ $econsi e$ation of the bail o$ e$ an the petition fo$ ce$tio$a$i i$ectl5 8uestionin) this sa.e o$ e$& In short, the petitioner conveniently omitted in his narration of facts the material factual antecedents detrimental to his cause; he chose to narrate only the factual antecedents favorable to his cause& That the p$esent petition has i$ect an inti.ate lin>s 6ith the ce$tio$a$i case is be5on oubt as the5 in%ol%e t6o si es of the sa.e coin& The ce$tio$a$i case file b5 the People see>s to p$e%ent the $elease of *on+ales an Mesa b5 annullin) the lo6e$ cou$tTs )$ant of bail& The p$esent petition# on the othe$ han # 6as file in behalf of *on+ales an Mesa to secu$e thei$ i..e iate $elease because the o$ e$ )$antin) bail is al$ea 5 eBecuto$5& In effect# the petitione$ see>s to i.ple.ent th$ou)h a petition fo$ habeas co$pus the p$o%isional $elease f$o. etention that the lo6e$ cou$t has o$ e$e & The 8uestion this i..e iatel5 $aises isI can this be one th$ou)h a petition fo$ habeas co$pus 6hen the %ali it5 of the )$ant of bail an the $elease un e$ bail a$e li%e 8uestions befo$e anothe$ Di%ision of this Cou$tJ 2e belie%e an so hol that his cannot an shoul not be one as this is p$ecisel5 the $eason 6h5 the $ule a)ainst fo$u. shoppin) has been put in place& The $e.e ies sou)ht bein) t6o si es of the sa.e coin :i&e&# the $elease of *on+ales an Mesa<# the5 cannot be secu$e th$ou)h sepa$atel57file cases 6he$e issues of ;u$is iction .a5 a$ise an 6hose $ulin)s .a5 conflict 6ith one anothe$& To be su$e# 6e clea$l5 hea$ the petitione$ sa5 that the$e can be no conflict because the effecti%eness of ou$ $ulin) in this petition 6ill epen on the natu$e an teno$ of the $ulin) in the ce$tio$a$i case3 the$e is no basis fo$ a $elease on habeas co$pus if this sa.e Cou$t 6ill $ule in the ce$tio$a$i case that the )$ant of bail is i.p$ope$& Fo$ this %e$5 sa.e $eason# 6e shoul not ente$tain the p$esent petition as the .atte$ befo$e us is al$ea 5 befo$e anothe$ co7e8ual bo 5 6hose $ulin) 6ill be finall5 ete$.inati%e of the issue of *on+alesT an MesaTs $elease& The Decision of the Se%enth Di%ision of this Cou$t# he$etofo$e footnote # o$ e$in) the $elease on bail of *on+ales an Mesa $i%es ho.e this point& To be st$ictl5 accu$ate# the issues of etention an i..e iate $elease that a$e no6 befo$e the t6o Di%isions of this Cou$t a$e li>e6ise p$ope$l5 6ithin the ;u$is iction of the lo6e$ cou$t 6ho has o$i)inal ;u$is iction o%e$ the c$i.inal case an 6ho has issue the o$ e$ )$antin)

bail in the eBe$cise of this ;u$is iction& If in ee the$e is a 8uestion $elatin) to the i..e iate $elease of *on+ales an Mesa pu$suant to the lo6e$ cou$tTs o$ e$ pen in) the ete$.ination of the ce$tio$a$i issues# such 8uestion shoul be b$ou)ht befo$e the lo6e$ cou$t as the t$ibunal that has o$ e$e the $elease# o$ befo$e the Se%enth Di%ision of this Cou$t in the eBe$cise of its supe$%iso$5 po6e$s o%e$ the lo6e$ cou$t& The Decision $ecentl5 p$o.ul)ate b5 the Se%enth Di%ision of this Cou$t o$ e$in) the $elease on bail of the sol ie$s7accuse effecti%el5 e.onst$ates this point& The inte$7$elationships a.on) the c$i.inal case belo6# the ce$tio$a$i case an the p$esent petition# as 6ell as a.on) the cou$ts 6he$e these cases a$e pen in)# sho6 be5on oubt that the petitione$ co..itte fo$u. shoppin) in the st$ict sense of that te$. i&e&# the atte.pt b5 a pa$t5# afte$ an a %e$se opinion in one fo$u.# to see> a fa%o$able opinion in anothe$ fo$u. othe$ that th$ou)h an appeal o$ ce$tio$a$i& The Aa %e$seA aspect fo$ the petitione$# 6hile not an opinion# is no less a %e$se as he has faile to secu$e the $elease of *on+ales an Mesa befo$e the lo6e$ cou$t an befo$e this Cou$t in the ce$tio$a$i case :as of the ti.e of the filin) of the p$esent petition<3 thus# he ca.e to us in the p$esent petition& That the Se%enth Di%ision of this Cou$t has o$ e$e the $elease on bail of the sol ie$s7accuse # thus $en e$in) the p$esent petition .oot an aca e.ic afte$ the finalit5 of the Gth Di%ision Decision# plainl5 e.onst$ates this le)al $ealit5&1F The Cou$t fu$the$ i.pose on petitione$ the penalt5 of censu$e fo$ the afo$esai %iolation& The ispositi%e po$tion of the ecision $ea sI <&ERE'ORE# p$e.ises consi e$e # 6e he$eb5 DISMISS the petition fo$ %iolation of an pu$suant to Section ? Rule G of the Rules of Cou$t& The petitione$# Att5& Robe$to Rafael Puli o# is he$eb5 CENSURE(fo$ these %iolations& Let a cop5 of this Decision be fu$nishe the !ono$able Sup$e.e Cou$t# to be attache to the petitione$Ts $eco$ as a .e.be$ of the 0a$# as a RECOR( O' CENSURE that .a5 be $efe$$e to an consi e$e in an5 futu$e si.ila$ act&1H On ? Septe.be$ 9@@?# petitione$ file a Motion fo$ Reconsi e$ation 9@ 6hich the Cou$t of Appeals :Special Fo$.e$ Thi$ Di%ision< enie in its $esolution91 ate = ,anua$5 9@@=& Petitione$ is no6 befo$e us $aisin) the follo6in) issuesI 2!ET!ER OR NOT T!E !ONORA0LE CO"RT OF APPEALS ERRED IN DISMISSIN* T!E PETITION FOR !A0EAS CORP"S ON T!E *RO"ND OF FOR"M S!OPPIN*& A& 2!ET!ER OR NOT T!E !ONORA0LE CO"RT OF APPEALS ERRED IN NOT CONSIDERIN* T!E NAT"RE OF T!E ACTION AND LIMITED ITSELF TO T!E ISS"E OF FOR"M S!OPPIN*& 0& 2!ET!ER OR NOT T!E !ONORA0LE CO"RT OF APPEALS ERRED IN IMPOSIN* "PON PETITIONER T!E PENALT' OF CENS"RE& C& 2!ET!ER OR NOT T!E !ONORA0LE CO"RT OF APPEALS ERRED IN NOT PASSIN* "PON T!E EDISTENCE OR A0SENCE OF VALID *RO"NDS TO DETAIN ,"LI"S MESA AND CESARI *ONSALES&

Petitione$ p$a5s that the assaile ecision an $esolution of the Cou$t of Appeals be $e%e$se an set asi e# an an o$ e$ be issue o$ e$in) $espon ents to i..e iatel5 $elease *on+ales an Mesa& !e fu$the$ p$a5s that the censu$e a)ainst hi. be also $e%e$se an set asi e& 0efo$e $espon ents coul co..ent on the petition# petitione$ file # 6ith lea%e of cou$t# a Motion to 2ith $a6 the P$a5e$ fo$ the I..e iate Release of ,ulius Mesa an Ce+a$i *on+ales& 99 Petitione$ info$.e the Cou$t that the Co..an in) *ene$al of the Philippine Ma$ines ha o$ e$e the $elease of *on+ales an Mesa an su$$en e$e thei$ pe$sons to the RTC of Ma>ati Cit5# 0$anch 1EF& Thus# Mesa an *on+ales a$e no6 en;o5in) te.po$a$5 libe$t5 b5 %i$tue of the $elease o$ e$s ate 9@ ,ul5 9@@E issue b5 the RTC& Petitione$ as>s that the p$a5e$ fo$ the i..e iate $elease of *on+ales an Mesa be is.isse but as>s that the othe$ p$a5e$s in the petition be )$ante & In its co..ent# the Solicito$ *ene$al st$esse that the "a eas corpus petition has been $en e$e .oot an aca e.ic b5 $eason of the $elease of Mesa an *on+ales f$o. etention an # in the absence of an actual case o$ cont$o%e$s5# it is i.p$actical to consi e$ an $esol%e issues in%ol%in) the %ali it5 o$ le)alit5 of thei$ etention# inclu in) the alle)e $efusal of the Cou$t of Appeals to $esol%e sai issues& 2hen the $elease of the pe$sons in 6hose behalf the application fo$ a 2$it of 7a eas Corpus 6as file is effecte # the Petition fo$ the issuance of the 6$it beco.es .oot an aca e.ic& 9C 2ith the $elease of both Mesa an *on+ales# the Petition fo$ 7a eas Corpus has# in ee # been $en e$e .oot& Cou$ts of ;ustice constitute to pass upon substantial $i)hts 6ill not consi e$ 8uestions 6he$e no actual inte$ests a$e in%ol%e & Thus# the 6ell7settle $ule that cou$ts 6ill not ete$.ine a .oot 8uestion& 2he$e the issues ha%e beco.e .oot an aca e.ic# the$e ceases to be an5 ;usticiable cont$o%e$s5# thus $en e$in) the $esolution of the sa.e of no p$actical %alue& 9E This Cou$t 6ill the$efo$e abstain f$o. eBp$essin) its opinion in a case 6he$e no le)al $elief is nee e o$ calle fo$& 9? The onl5 $e.ainin) issues to be $esol%e a$eI :1< Is petitione$ )uilt5 of fo$u. shoppin)J :9< Shoul petitione$ be penali+e 6hen he faile to info$. the C$ Di%ision of the Cou$t of Appeals of the pen enc5 of the Petition fo$Certiorari file b5 $espon ents befo$e the Gth Di%ision of the sa.e cou$t 6hich as>e fo$ the annul.ent of the RTCTs o$ e$ )$antin) *on+ales an MesaTs petition fo$ bailJ To suppo$t his contention that the$e 6as no fo$u. shoppin)# petitione$ asse$ts that the issues in the petitions fo$certiorari an "a eas corpus a$e not si.ila$Mi entical& As to his non7 isclosu$e of $espon entsT filin) of the .otion fo$ $econsi e$ation an the Petition fo$ Certiorari# petitione$ clai.s that the sa.e has no le)al $ele%ance to the Petition fo$ 7a eas Corpus because at the ti.e he file sai petition# the o$ e$ )$antin) bail subsiste an has not been $e%e$se o$ .o ifie 3 an no TRO o$ in;unction has been issue that 6oul affect the efficac5 o$ %ali it5 of the o$ e$ )$antin) the bail an the o$ e$ i$ectin) the $elease of Mesa an *on+ales& Fo$ filin) a Petition fo$ 7a eas Corpus espite the pen enc5 of the Petition fo$ Certiorari that 8uestione the %ali it5 of the o$ e$ )$antin) bail# 6hich o$ e$ is p$ecisel5 the %e$5 basis of the Petition fo$ 7a eas Corpus# petitione$ is )uilt5 of fo$u. shoppin)& It has been hel that fo$u. shoppin) is the act of a pa$t5 a)ainst 6ho. an a %e$se ;u ).ent has been $en e$e in one fo$u.# of see>in) anothe$ :an possibl5 fa%o$able< opinion in anothe$ fo$u. :othe$ than b5 appeal o$ the special ci%il action of certiorari<# o$ the institution of t6o o$ .o$e actions o$ p$ocee in)s )$oun e on the sa.e cause on the supposition that one o$ the othe$ cou$t 6oul

.a>e a fa%o$able isposition& Thus# it has been hel that the$e is fo$u. shoppin) 4 :1< 6hen# as a $esult of an a %e$se ecision in one fo$u.# a pa$t5 see>s a fa%o$able ecision :othe$ than b5 appeal o$ certiorari< in anothe$3 OR :9< if# afte$ he has file a petition befo$e the Sup$e.e Cou$t# a pa$t5 files a .otion befo$e the Cou$t of Appeals# since in such a case# he elibe$atel5 splits appeals in the hope that e%en in one case in 6hich a pa$ticula$ allo6able $e.e 5 sou)ht fo$ is is.isse # anothe$ case :offe$in) a si.ila$ $e.e 5< 6oul still be open3 OR :C< 6he$e a pa$t5 atte.pts to obtain a p$eli.ina$5 in;unction in anothe$ cou$t afte$ failin) to obtain the sa.e f$o. the o$i)inal cou$t& 9= The Cou$t has lai o6n the 5a$ stic> to ete$.ine 6hethe$ a pa$t5 %iolate the $ule a)ainst fo$u. shoppin)# as 6he$e the ele.ents of litis pendentia a$e p$esent o$ 6he$e a final ;u ).ent in one case 6ill a.ount to res /udicatain the othe$& State iffe$entl5# the$e .ust be bet6een the t6o casesI :a< i entit5 of pa$ties3 :b< i entit5 of $i)hts asse$te an $eliefs p$a5e fo$# the $elief bein) foun e on the sa.e facts3 an :c< the i entit5 of the t6o p$ece in) pa$ticula$s is such that an5 ;u ).ent $en e$e in the othe$ action 6ill# $e)a$ less of 6hich pa$t5 is successful# a.ount to res /udicata in the action un e$ consi e$ation&9G As luci l5 eBplaine b5 the Cou$t of Appeals# the ulti.ate $elief sou)ht b5 petitione$ in both the certiorari an "a eas corpus cases is the $elease of *on+ales an Mesa& Petitione$ shoul not ha%e file the Petition fo$7a eas Corpus because the $elief he is see>in) the$ein is the sa.e $elief he is as>in) fo$ in the ce$tio$a$i case& Mo$eo%e$# the .ain issue in both cases boils o6n to 6hethe$ *on+ales an Mesa shoul be $elease on bail& 0ecause of the p$esence of the ele.ents of litis pendentia 77 pa$ties# $eliefs an issue a$e substantiall5 the sa.eMsi.ila$ in the t6o cases3 an an5 ecision in the certiorari case 6ill be bin in) on the "a eas corpus case U petitione$ is thus )uilt5 of fo$u. shoppin)& Fo$ his failu$e to info$. the Cou$t of Appeals of the pen enc5 of the ce$tio$a$i case# petitione$ clea$l5 %iolate his obli)ation to isclose 6ithin fi%e a5s the pen enc5 of the sa.e o$ a si.ila$ action o$ clai. as .an ate in Section ?:c<# Rule G9F of the Rules of Cou$t& <&ERE'ORE, p$e.ises consi e$e # the Decision of the Cou$t of Appeals in CA7*&R& SP No& H@?E= ate 19 Septe.be$ 9@@? is $''"RME(& Costs a)ainst the petitione$& SO OR(ERE(& Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT Manila SECOND DIVISION G.R. No. 16668No:06>0r -,, -009

NOEL ). )$GT$S, Petitione$# %s& &ON. RUT& C. S$NTOS, Pr043%3n8 J %80 o7 R083ona= Tr3a= Co r2, )ranch ,-, $n231o=o C32!, an% $NTON"O an% ROS"T$ G$LL$R(O, Respon ents& DECISION

C$RP"O, J.: The Case This is a petition1 7or r0:30? on c0r23orar3 n%0r R =0 45 o7 2h0 R =04 o7 Co r2. Th0 102323on cha==0n804 2h0 11 J n0 -004 (0c343on9 an% 5 Jan ar! -005 R04o= 23onC o7 2h0 Co r2 o7 $110a=4 3n C$-G.R. SP No. ,,,51. Th0 Co r2 o7 $110a=4 a773r60% 2h0 9 (0c06>0r -00- E an% -1 $1r3= -003 Or%0r4 o7 2h0 R083ona= Tr3a= Co r2 9RTC;, J %3c3a= R083on 4, )ranch ,-, $n231o=o C32!, 3n S10c3a= Proc00%3n8 Ca40 No. 0--11-8. Th0 'ac24 Antonio an Rosita S& *alla$ o :Spouses *alla$ o< a$e the pa$ents of Ma$icel S& *alla$ o :Ma$icel<& T6o 6ee>s afte$ )$a uatin) f$o. hi)h school in Ap$il 9@@@# Ma$icel $an a6a5 to li%e 6ith he$ bo5f$ien & Ma$icel beca.e p$e)nant an )a%e bi$th to Ma$5l ,o5 S& *alla$ o :Ma$5l ,o5<& Ma$icelTs bo5f$ien left he$& In Feb$ua$5 9@@9# Ma$icel $etu$ne to he$ pa$ents& On the sa.e a5# Ma$icel $an a6a5 a)ain an li%e 6ith Noel 0& 0a)tas :0a)tas< an L5 ia 0& Sioson :Sioson< at Ma& Co$a+on# "ni$oc># 0a$an)a5 Sta& C$u+# Antipolo Cit5& Ma$icel 6ent to Ne)$os Occi ental an left Ma$5l ,o5 in the custo 5 of 0a)tas an Sioson& In a lette$? ate ? Feb$ua$5 9@@1# Ma$icel $elin8uishe he$ $i)hts o%e$ Ma$5l ,o5 to 0a)tas an his 6ife& She state I A>o po si Ma$icel S& *alla$ o 1F taon) )ulan) a5 >usan) ipina)>aloob an) a>in) ana> sa pa)>a ala)a sa .a)7asa6an) Noel 0& 0a)tas at Neneth A& 0a)tas sa >a ahilanan pon) itina>6il a>o n) sa$ili >on) .)a .a)ulan) at hin i >o po >a5an) buha5in at ahil po sa tina>buhan a>o n) a>in) bo5f$ien >a5a 6ala na pon) iban) pa$aan pa$a a>o .a>aban)on o .a>apa)si.ula n) paniba)on) buha5 >a5a pa$a .abi)5an n) .a)an an) buha5 an) a>in) ana> inisip >o po na ito na an) pina>a .a alin) pa$aan pa$a po sa pa)baba)o n) a>in) buha5& (a5a .ula sa a$a6 na ito a5 6ala na a>on) >a$apatan sa a>in) ana>& Sila an) tata5o bilan) .a)ulan) n) a>in) ana>& "n $1r3= -00-, 2h0 S1o 404 Ga==ar%o 2r30% 2o o>2a3n 2h0 c 42o%! o7 Mar!= Jo! 7ro6 )a82a4 an% S3o4on. )a82a4 an% S3o4on r07 40%. Una>=0 2o 4022=0 2h0 6a220r, 2h0 S1o 404 Ga==ar%o 73=0% ?32h 2h0 RTC a 102323on= 7or ha>0a4 cor1 4. In its O$ e$G ate 1@ ,ul5 9@@9# the RTC issue a 6$it of habeasF co$pus i$ectin) the eput5 she$iff to p$o uce Ma$5l ,o5 befo$e it an to su..on 0a)tas an Sioson to eBplain 6h5 the5 6e$e 6ithhol in) the custo 5 of Ma$5l ,o5& Th0 S1o 404 Ga==ar%o, )a82a4 an% S3o4on 0n20r0% 3n2o a co61ro6340 a8r0060n2. "n 324 Or%0rH %a20% 13 S01206>0r -00-, 2h0 RTC 42a20%5 "n 2o%a!@4 h0ar3n8, >o2h 1ar2304 a110ar0% ?32h 2h03r r0410c23:0 co n40=4 an% ha:0 a8r00% on 2h0 7o==o?3n85 1& that the chil shoul be place in custo 5 of the petitione$s on F$i a5# Satu$ a5 an Sun a53

9& that the chil shoul be $etu$ne to the $espon ents b5 the petitione$s on Sun a5 at FI@@ oTcloc> in the e%enin) sub;ect to %isito$ial $i)hts of the petitione$s an5ti.e of the a53 an C& that the chil can be b$ou)ht b5 the $espon ents to Valen+uela but shoul be $etu$ne to the petitione$s on F$i a5 .o$nin)& The abo%e a)$ee.ent shall ta>e effect to a5 an pa$ties a$e o$ e$e to co.pl5 st$ictl5 6ith the sai a)$ee.ent un e$ pain of conte.pt in case of %iolation the$eof& On -9 S01206>0r -00-, )a82a4 an% S3o4on =0arn0% 2ha2 Ro432a S. Ga==ar%o >ro 8h2 Mar!= Jo! 2o Sa6ar. "n 2h03r 6o23on1@ %a20% 30 S01206>0r -00-, )a82a4 an% S3o4on 1ra!0% 2ha2 2h0 S1o 404 Ga==ar%o >0 %3r0c20% 2o 1ro% c0 Mar!= Jo! >07or0 2h0 RTC, 2ha2 2h0! >0 %3r0c20% 2o 0A1=a3n ?h! 2h0! :3o=a20% 2h0 RTC@4 13 S01206>0r -00- Or%0r, an% 2ha2 2h0! >0 c320% 3n con20612. "n 2h03r 6o23on11 2o %346344 %a20% 11 Oc2o>0r -00-, )a82a4 an% S3o4on 1ra!0% 2ha2 2h0 S1o 404 Ga==ar%o@4 ac23on >0 %3463440% 1 r4 an2 2o S0c23on 3, R =0 1,, o7 2h0 R =04 o7 Co r2. S0c23on 3 42a204 2ha2 B"7, 7or no C 42373a>=0 ca 40, 2h0 1=a3n2377 7a3=4 A A A 2o co61=! ?32h A A A an! or%0r o7 2h0 co r2, 2h0 co61=a3n2 6a! >0 %3463440% 1on 6o23on o7 2h0 %070n%an2 or 1on 2h0 co r2@4 o?n 6o23on.B )a82a4 an% S3o4on c=a360% 2ha2 2h0 S1o 404 Ga==ar%o 7a3=0% 2o co61=! ?32h 2h0 RTC@4 13 S01206>0r -00- Or%0r. "n 324 Or%0r19 %a20% 15 Oc2o>0r -00-, 2h0 RTC c320% 2h0 S1o 404 Ga==ar%o 3n con20612, 73n0% 2h06P500, an% or%0r0% 2h06 2o 1ro% c0 Mar!= Jo! >07or0 2h0 2r3a= co r2. Th0 RTC@4 R =3n8 "n 324 Or%0r1C %a20% 9 (0c06>0r -00-, 2h0 RTC %3463440% 2h0 ac23on 7or ha:3n8 >0co60 6oo2. Th0 RTC 42a20%5 In this petition# the p$a5e$ of the petitione$s is to p$o uce the pe$son of Me$5l KsicL ,o5 S& *alla$ o befo$e this cou$t to be tu$ne o%e$ to he$ein petitione$s 6ho a$e the .ate$nal K)$an pa$entsL of sai .ino$& Since the pe$son sub;ect of the petition has al$ea 5 p$o uce KsicL to this cou$t an has been tu$ne o%e$ to the petitione$s# the issue on the petition fo$ habeas co$pus is no6 .oot an aca e.ic 6ithout p$e;u ice to the filin) of the p$ope$ action to ete$.ine as to the $i)htful custo 5 o%e$ the .ino$ chil & In %ie6 the$eof# B B B the Motion to Dis.iss is he$eb5 )$ante but 6ithout p$e;u ice on the petitione$s to file p$ope$ action fo$ custo 5 of the .ino$& :E.phasis supplie < In thei$ .otion1E fo$ $econsi e$ation ate 9G Dece.be$ 9@@9# 0a)tas an Sioson alle)e that the )$oun fo$ the is.issal of the action 6as e$$oneous& The action shoul ha%e been is.isse pu$suant to Section C# Rule 1G# of the Rules of Cou$t& The5 p$a5e that Ma$5l ,o5 be $etu$ne to the. to p$ese$%e the status 8uo ante& 0a)tas an Sioson state I ?& Thus# the !ono$able Cou$t %e$5 clea$l5 issue a conflictin) O$ e$ because It has cite the KSpouses *alla$ oL in conte.pt of cou$t fo$ %iolatin) the p$e%ious Septe.be$ 1C# 9@@9 O$ e$ that the chil shoul be $etu$ne to the $espon ents in the e%enin) of Septe.be$ 9H# 9@@9 :Sun a5<# an 5et the !ono$able Cou$t has is.isse the petition fo$ bein) .oot an aca e.ic& This is in effect )i%in)

p$e.iu. to the act of the petitione$s of not tu$nin) o%e$ the chil to $espon ents on Septe.be$ 9H# 9@@9& Li>e6ise# this is tanta.ount to $e6a$ in) the. fo$ not p$o ucin) the chil in cou$t in %iolation of the afo$esai Septe.be$ 1C# 9@@9 O$ e$3 =& Mo$eo%e$# the !ono$able Cou$t has issue an un$easonable O$ e$ b5 statin) that the is.issal of the instant case is 6ithout p$e;u ice to the filin) of the p$ope$ action fo$ custo 5 of the .ino$ b5 the petitione$s& 2h5 6oul the petitione$s still file the p$ope$ action fo$ custo 5 if the5 no6 ha%e the custo 5 of the .ino$J P RA'E R 2!EREFORE# p$e.ises consi e$e # it is .ost $espectfull5 p$a5e that the Dece.be$ H# 9@@9 O$ e$ of the !ono$able Cou$t be pa$tiall5 $econsi e$e so that the is.issal of the case 6ill not be base on the )$oun of bein) .oot an aca e.ic but base on failu$e to co.pl5 6ith the Septe.be$ 1C# 9@@9 pu$suant KsicL to Section C# Rule 1G of the 1HHG Rules of Ci%il P$oce u$e an that petitione$s be conse8uentl5 i$ecte to $etu$n the pe$son sub;ect of the petition to the $espon ents to p$ese$%e the status 8uo ante& In its O$ e$1? ate 91 Ap$il 9@@C# the RTC enie the .otion fo$ $econsi e$ation& The RTC hel that the sole pu$pose of the petition fo$ habeas co$pus 6as the p$o uction of Ma$5l ,o5 an that the Spouses *alla$ o eBe$cise substitute pa$ental autho$it5 o%e$ Ma$5l ,o5& The RTC state thatI The alle)ations in the Petition sho6 that the sole pu$pose fo$ the filin) of the Petition is to cause the p$o uction befo$e the Cou$t of the pe$son of .ino$ Me$5l KsicL ,o5 S& *alla$ o# not a ete$.ination of the le)alit5 o$ ille)alit5 of $espon entsT custo 5 of the chil # petitione$s bein) a6a$e of the fact that the chil 6as left b5 thei$ :petitione$sT< au)hte$ to KsicL the custo 5 of the $espon ents# as state in pa$& no& 1@ of the Petition& The instant Petition is the$efo$e# essentiall5 not a petition fo$ !abeas Co$pus as conte.plate in Rule 1@9# Re%ise Rules of Cou$t 6hich is $eso$te to in all cases of ille)al confine.ent b5 6hich an5 pe$son is ep$i%e of his libe$t5 :C$u+ %s& CA# C99 SCRA ?1F<# but is $eso$te to also 6he$e the $i)htful custo 5 of an5 pe$son is 6ithhel f$o. the pe$son entitle the$eto as conte.plate in Rule 1@9# Re%ise Rules of Cou$t& In o$ e$ that the special $e.e 5 of !abeas Co$pus .a5be KsicL in%o>e # it is necessa$5 that the$e shoul be an actual an effecti%e $est$aint o$ ep$i%ation of libe$t5& A no.inal o$ .o$al $est$aint is not sufficient :*on+ales %s& Viola# et al&# =1 Phil F9E<& Since the$efo$e# the pu$pose of the instant Petition has al$ea 5 been se$%e # as the chil has been p$o uce an eli%e$e to the petitione$s# the instant Petition lo)icall5 has beco.e .oot an aca e.ic& Petitione$s a$e# un e$ the la6 :A$t& 91E# Fa.il5 Co e<# autho$i+e to eBe$cise substitute pa$ental autho$it5 o%e$ the chil in case of eath# absence o$ unsuitabilit5 of the pa$ents# the entitle.ent to the le)al custo 5 of the chil bein) necessa$il5 inclu e the$ein to .a>e possible an Mo$ enable the petitione$s to ischa$)e thei$ uties as substitute pa$ents& The$e is no inconsistenc5 bet6een the O$ e$ ate Dece.be$ H# 9@@9 sou)ht to be $econsi e$e # an the O$ e$ ate Octobe$ 1?# 9@@9# as the latte$ 6as issue pu$suant to an inci ent# an inte$locuto$5 .atte$# that is# the failu$e of the petitione$s to co.pl5 6ith the a)$ee.ent $eache bet6een the pa$ties in open cou$t on Septe.be$ 1C# 9@@9& The sai O$ e$ ate Octobe$ 1?# 9@@9 is not a $esolution of the case in the .ain# as it i not te$.inate the case& The O$ e$ ate Dece.be$

H# 9@@9# on the othe$ han # te$.inate the case# an consi e$in) that the is.issal of the case 6as un8ualifie # the sa.e a.ounte to an a ;u ication on the .e$its pu$suant to Sec& C# Rule 1G of the Re%ise Rules of Cou$t P$oce u$e# the$efo$e# the a)$ee.ent ea$lie$ ente$e b5 an bet6een the he$ein pa$ties is ee.e te$.inate & :E.phasis supplie < 0a)tas file 6ith the Cou$t of Appeals a petition1= fo$ ce$tio$a$i un e$ Rule =? of the Rules of Cou$t& 0a)tas alle)e that :1< the RTC e$$e 6hen it $ule that the sole pu$pose of the 1 Au)ust 9@@9 petition 6as the p$o uction of Ma$5l ,o5 befo$e the t$ial cou$t# :9< the RTC e$$e 6hen it $ule that the petition 6as Aessentiall5 not a petition fo$ !abeas Co$pus as conte.plate in Rule 1@9#A :C< the RTC e$$e 6hen it $ule that the$e .ust be actual an effecti%e ep$i%ation of libe$t5# :E< the RTC e$$e 6hen it $ule that the action ha beco.e .oot# :?< the RTC e$$e 6hen it $ule that the Spouses *alla$ o ha substitute pa$ental autho$it5 o%e$ Ma$5l ,o5# an :=< the RTC e$$e 6hen it $ule that the$e 6as no inconsistenc5 bet6een the 1? Octobe$ an H Dece.be$ 9@@9 O$ e$s& Th0 Co r2 o7 $110a=4@ R =3n8 In its Decision ate 11 ,une 9@@E# the Cou$t of Appeals is.isse the petition an affi$.e the H Dece.be$ 9@@9 an 9C Ap$il 9@@C O$ e$s of the RTC& The Cou$t of Appeals hel thatI In the secon pa$t of KSection 1# Rule 1@9# of the Rules of Cou$tL# B B B habeas co$pus .a5 be $eso$te to in cases 6he$e the $i)htful custo 5 of an5 pe$son is 6ithhel f$o. the pe$son entitle the$eto& Acco$ in)l5# the 6$it of habeas co$pus is the p$ope$ $e.e 5 to enable he$ein p$i%ate $espon ents to $e)ain the custo 5 of thei$ .ino$ )$an au)hte$ Ma$5l ,o5 6ho 6as a .itte l5 left b5 he$ natu$al .othe$ in the ca$e of petitione$ an L5 ia Sioson& Si)nificantl5# in custo 5 cases in%ol%in) .ino$s# the 8uestion of ille)al o$ in%olunta$5 $est$aint is not the un e$l5in) $ationale fo$ the a%ailabilit5 of the 6$it of habeas co$pus as a $e.e 53 $athe$# the 6$it is p$osecute fo$ the pu$pose of ete$.inin) the $i)ht of custo 5 of a chil & 05 is.issin) the petition a 8uo# the t$ial cou$t in effect uphel p$i%ate $espon entsT $i)ht of custo 5 o%e$ the .ino$ in%ol%e as a)ainst that of petitione$& 2hile it cannot be )ainsai that p$i%ate $espon ents obtaine initial custo 5 of the .ino$ in %iolation of a %ali cou$t o$ e$# 6e nonetheless sustain the ;u ).ent a 8uo is.issin) the petition an %ali atin) such $i)htful custo 5 o%e$ Ma$5l ,o5& This is because p$i%ate $espon ents a$e the )$an pa$ents of Ma$5l ,o5# hence# la6full5 autho$i+e to eBe$cise substitute pa$ental autho$it5 o%e$ he$ in the absence of he$ pa$ents& 2hat is .o$e# in a6a$ in) custo 5 to p$i%ate $espon ents# the best 6elfa$e of the chil 6as ta>en into consi e$ation inas.uch as# pe$ $epo$t of the Cou$t Social 2o$>e$# the i.ple.entation of the pa$tiesT a)$ee.ent 6oul cause .o$e ps5cholo)ical a.a)e an t$au.atic eBpe$ience to Ma$5l ,o5& To ou$ .in # the$efo$e# the %iolation of a cou$t o$ e$ pales in si)nificance 6hen consi e$e alon)si e the best inte$est of the .ino$ 6hose 6elfa$e $e8ui$es that she be in the custo 5 of he$ )$an pa$ents $athe$ than petitione$Ts& B B B "n e$ the factual an le)al .ilieuB of the case# the$e is no 8uestion that as )$an pa$ents of the .ino$# Ma$5l ,o5# p$i%ate $espon ents ha%e a fa$ supe$io$ $i)ht of custo 5 o%e$ he$ than petitione$& 1G The Issues In his petition ate 1 Feb$ua$5 9@@?# 0a)tas $aise as issues thatI

T!E CO"RT OF APPEALS ERRED AND *RAVEL' A0"SED ITS DISCRETION IN NOT FINDIN* T!AT TRIAL CO"RT COMMITTED *RAVE A0"SE OF DISCRETION AMO"NTIN* TO LAC( OF ,"RISDICTION IN FINDIN* T!AT T!E ALLE*ATION IN T!E PETITION FOR !A0EAS CORP"S S!O2 T!AT T!E SOLE P"RPOSE FOR T!E FILIN* T!EREOF IS TO CA"SE T!E PROD"CTION 0EFORE T!E CO"RT OF T!E PERSON IN 2!OSE FAVOR IT 2AS FILED& T!E CO"RT OF APPEALS *RAVEL' ERRED AND A0"SED ITS DISCRETION IN NOT FINDIN* T!AT T!E TRIAL CO"RT *RAVEL' A0"SED ITS DISCRETION AMO"NTIN* TO LAC( OF ,"RISDICTION IN R"LIN* T!AT 2IT! T!E DELIVER' OF T!E C!ILD FOR 2!OM T!E PETITION 2AS FILED# T!E PETITION FOR !A0EAS CORP"S !AS 0ECOME MOOT AND ACADEMIC& Th0 Co r2@4 R =3n8 The Cou$t of Appeals e$$e 6hen it affi$.e the RTCTs H Dece.be$ 9@@9 an 91 Ap$il 9@@C O$ e$s& In its O$ e$s# the RTC $ule that# since the sole pu$pose of the petition fo$ habeas co$pus 6as the p$o uction of Ma$5l ,o5 befo$e the t$ial cou$t# the action beca.e .oot 6hen Ma$5l ,o5 6as p$o uce & The Cou$t isa)$ees& Section 1# Rule 1@9# of the Rules of Cou$t states that the 6$it of habeas co$pus shall eBten to all cases 6he$e the $i)htful custo 5 of an5 pe$son is 6ithhel f$o. the pe$sons entitle the$eto& In cases in%ol%in) .ino$s# the pu$pose of a petition fo$ habeas co$pus is not li.ite to the p$o uction of the chil befo$e the cou$t& The .ain pu$pose of the petition fo$ habeas co$pus is to ete$.ine 6ho has the $i)htful custo 5 o%e$ the chil & In Ti;in) %& Cou$t of Appeals#1F the Cou$t hel thatI The 6$it of habeas co$pus eBten s to all cases of ille)al confine.ent o$ etention b5 6hich an5 pe$son is ep$i%e of his libe$t5# o$ b5 6hich the $i)htful custo 5 of an5 pe$son is 6ithhel f$o. the pe$son entitle the$eto& Thus# it is the p$ope$ le)al $e.e 5 to enable pa$ents to $e)ain the custo 5 of a .ino$ chil e%en if the latte$ be in the custo 5 of a thi$ pe$son of his o6n f$ee 6ill& It .a5 e%en be sai that in custo 5 cases in%ol%in) .ino$s# the 8uestion of ille)al an in%olunta$5 $est$aint of libe$t5 is not the un e$l5in) $ationale fo$ the a%ailabilit5 of the 6$it as a $e.e 5& Rathe$# it is p$osecute fo$ the pu$pose of ete$.inin) the $i)ht of custo 5 o%e$ a chil & :E.phasis supplie <
1a%%phi1

The RTC e$$e 6hen it hastil5 is.isse the action fo$ ha%in) beco.e .oot afte$ Ma$5l ,o5 6as p$o uce befo$e the t$ial cou$t& It shoul ha%e con ucte a t$ial to ete$.ine 6ho ha the $i)htful custo 5 o%e$ Ma$5l ,o5& In is.issin) the action# the RTC# in effect# )$ante the petition fo$ habeas co$pus an a6a$ e the custo 5 of Ma$5l ,o5 to the Spouses *alla$ o 6ithout sufficient basis& In LaBa.ana %& LaBa.ana#1H the Cou$t hel thatI Min ful of the natu$e of the case at ba$# the cou$t a 8uo shoul ha%e con ucte a t$ial not6ithstan in) the a)$ee.ent of the pa$ties to sub.it the case fo$ $esolution on the basis# inte$ alia# of the ps5chiat$ic $epo$t of D$& Te$esito& Thus# petitione$ is not estoppe f$o. 8uestionin) the absence of a t$ial consi e$in) that sai ps5chiat$ic $epo$t# 6hich 6as the cou$tTs p$i.a$5 basis in a6a$ in) custo 5 to $espon ent# is insufficient to ;ustif5 the ecision& The fun a.ental polic5 of the State to p$o.ote an p$otect the 6elfa$e of chil $en shall not be is$e)a$ e b5 .e$e technicalit5 in $esol%in) isputes 6hich in%ol%e the fa.il5 an the 5outh& :E.phasis supplie <

A$ticle 91E of the Ci%il Co e states that in case of absence o$ unsuitabilit5 of the pa$ents# substitute pa$ental autho$it5 shall be eBe$cise b5 the su$%i%in) )$an pa$ent& A$ticle 91= states that in efault of pa$ents o$ a ;u iciall5 appointe )ua$ ian# the su$%i%in) )$an pa$ent shall eBe$cise substitute pa$ental autho$it5 o%e$ the chil & Acco$ in)l5# in its 91 Ap$il 9@@C O$ e$# the RTC hel thatI Petitione$s a$e# un e$ the la6 :A$t& 91E# Fa.il5 Co e<# autho$i+e to eBe$cise substitute pa$ental autho$it5 o%e$ the chil in case of eath# absence o$ unsuitabilit5 of the pa$ents# the entitle.ent to the le)al custo 5 of the chil bein) necessa$il5 inclu e the$ein to .a>e possible an Mo$ enable the petitione$s to ischa$)e thei$ uties as substitute pa$ents& 9@ In its 11 ,une 9@@E Decision# the Cou$t of Appeals hel thatI 2hile it cannot be )ainsai that p$i%ate $espon ents obtaine initial custo 5 of the .ino$ in %iolation of a %ali cou$t o$ e$# 6e nonetheless sustain the ;u ).ent a 8uo is.issin) the petition an %ali atin) such $i)htful custo 5 o%e$ Ma$5l ,o5& This is because p$i%ate $espon ents a$e the )$an pa$ents of Ma$5l ,o5# hence# la6full5 autho$i+e to eBe$cise substitute pa$ental autho$it5 o%e$ he$ in the absence of he$ pa$ents&91 In ete$.inin) 6ho has the $i)htful custo 5 o%e$ a chil # the chil Ts 6elfa$e is the .ost i.po$tant consi e$ation& The cou$t is not boun b5 an5 le)al $i)ht of a pe$son o%e$ the chil & In So.bon) %& Cou$t of Appeals#99 the Cou$t hel thatI The cont$o%e$s5 oes not in%ol%e the 8uestion of pe$sonal f$ee o.# because an infant is p$esu.e to be in the custo 5 of so.eone until he attains .a;o$it5 a)e& In passin) on the 6$it in a chil custo 5 case# the cou$t eals 6ith a .atte$ of an e8uitable natu$e& Not boun b5 an5 .e$e le)al $i)ht of pa$ent o$ )ua$ ian# the cou$t )i%es his o$ he$ clai. to the custo 5 of the chil ue 6ei)ht as a clai. foun e on hu.an natu$e an consi e$e )ene$all5 e8uitable an ;ust& The$efo$e# these cases a$e eci e # not on the le)al $i)ht of the petitione$ to be $elie%e f$o. unla6ful i.p$ison.ent o$ etention# as in the case of a ults# but on the cou$tTs %ie6 of the best inte$ests of those 6hose 6elfa$e $e8ui$es that the5 be in custo 5 of one pe$son o$ anothe$& !ence# the cou$t is not boun to eli%e$ a chil into the custo 5 of an5 clai.ant o$ of an5 pe$son# but shoul # in the consi e$ation of the facts# lea%e it in such custo 5 as its 6elfa$e at the ti.e appea$s to $e8ui$e& In sho$t# the chil Ts 6elfa$e is the sup$e.e consi e$ation& Consi e$in) that the chil Ts 6elfa$e is an all7i.po$tant facto$ in custo 5 cases# the Chil an 'outh 2elfa$e Co e une8ui%ocall5 p$o%i es that in all 8uestions $e)a$ in) the ca$e an custo 5# a.on) othe$s# of the chil # his 6elfa$e shall be the pa$a.ount consi e$ation& In the sa.e %ein# the Fa.il5 Co e autho$i+es the cou$ts to# if the 6elfa$e of the chil so e.an s# ep$i%e the pa$ents conce$ne of pa$ental autho$it5 o%e$ the chil o$ a opt such .easu$es as .a5 be p$ope$ un e$ the ci$cu.stances& :E.phasis supplie < In So.bon)#9C the Cou$t lai o6n th$ee $e8uisites in petitions fo$ habeas co$pus in%ol%in) .ino$sI :1< the petitione$ has a $i)ht of custo 5 o%e$ the .ino$# :9< the $espon ent is 6ithhol in) the $i)htful custo 5 o%e$ the .ino$# an :C< the best inte$est of the .ino$ e.an s that he o$ she be in the custo 5 of the petitione$& In the p$esent case# these $e8uisites a$e not clea$l5 establishe because the RTC hastil5 is.isse the action an a6a$ e the custo 5 of Ma$5l ,o5 to the Spouses *alla$ o 6ithout con uctin) an5 t$ial&

The p$ocee in)s befo$e the RTC lea%e so .uch to be esi$e & 2hile a $e.an of the case 6oul .ean fu$the$ ela5# Ma$5l ,o5Ts best inte$est e.an s that p$ope$ p$ocee in)s be con ucte to ete$.ine the fitness of the Spouses *alla$ o to ta>e ca$e of he$& 2!EREFORE# the Cou$t REMANDS the case to the Re)ional T$ial Cou$t# ,u icial Re)ion E# 0$anch G9# Antipolo Cit5# fo$ the pu$pose of $ecei%in) e%i ence to ete$.ine the fitness of the Spouses Antonio an Rosita S& *alla$ o to ha%e custo 5 of Ma$5l ,o5 *alla$ o& SO ORDERED& Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT Manila FIRST DIVISION G.R. No. 139,89. Ma! 1-, -000 ERLINDA (& IL"SORIO# petitione$# %s& ERLINDA I& 0ILDNER an S'LVIA (& IL"SORIO# ,O!N DOE an ,ANE DOE# $espon ents& Mes. G.R. No. 139808. Ma! 1-, -000 POTENCIANO IL"SORIO# MA& ERLINDA I& 0ILDNER# an S'LVIA IL"SORIO# petitione$s# %s& CO"RT OF APPEALS an ERLINDA (& IL"SORIO# $espon ents& DECISION PARDO# ,&I Ma5 a 6ife secu$e a 6$it of habeas co$pus to co.pel he$ husban to li%e 6ith he$ in con;u)al blissJ The ans6e$ is no& Ma$ital $i)hts inclu in) co%e$tu$e an li%in) in con;u)al 6ellin) .a5 not be enfo$ce b5 the eBt$a7o$ ina$5 6$it of habeas co$pus& A 6$it of habeas co$pus eBten s to all cases of ille)al confine.ent o$ etention# 1 o$ b5 6hich the $i)htful custo 5 of a pe$son is 6ithhel f$o. the one entitle the$eto& 9 SlB A!abeas co$pus is a 6$it i$ecte to the pe$son etainin) anothe$# co..an in) hi. to p$o uce the bo 5 of the p$isone$ at a esi)nate ti.e an place# 6ith the a5 an cause of his captu$e an etention# to o# sub.it to# an $ecei%e 6hatsoe%e$ the cou$t o$ ;u )e a6a$ in) the 6$it shall consi e$ in that behalf&AC It is a hi)h p$e$o)ati%e# co..on7la6 6$it# of ancient o$i)in# the )$eat ob;ect of 6hich is the libe$ation of those 6ho .a5 be i.p$isone 6ithout sufficient cause& E It is issue 6hen one is ep$i%e of libe$t5 o$ is 6$on)full5 p$e%ente f$o. eBe$cisin) le)al custo 5 o%e$ anothe$ pe$son& ? The petition of E$lin a (& Iluso$io= is to $e%e$se the ecisionG of the Cou$t of Appeals an its $esolutionF is.issin) the application fo$ habeas co$pus to ha%e the custo 5 of he$ husban # la65e$ Potenciano Iluso$io an enfo$ce conso$tiu. as the 6ife&

On the othe$ han # the petition of Potenciano Iluso$ioH is to annul that po$tion of the ecision of the Cou$t of Appeals )i%in) E$lin a (& Iluso$io %isitation $i)hts to he$ husban an to en;oin E$lin a an the Cou$t of Appeals f$o. enfo$cin) the %isitation $i)hts& The un ispute facts a$e as follo6sI ScslB E$lin a (ala6 Iluso$io is the 6ife of la65e$ Potenciano Iluso$io& Potenciano Iluso$io is about F= 5ea$s of a)e possesse of eBtensi%e p$ope$t5 %alue at .illions of pesos& Fo$ .an5 5ea$s# la65e$ Potenciano Iluso$io 6as Chai$.an of the 0oa$ an P$esi ent of 0a)uio Count$5 Club& On ,ul5 11# 1HE9# E$lin a (ala6 an Potenciano Iluso$io cont$acte .at$i.on5 an li%e to)ethe$ fo$ a pe$io of thi$t5 :C@< 5ea$s& In 1HG9# the5 sepa$ate f$o. be an boa$ fo$ un isclose $easons& Potenciano li%e at "$ aneta Con o.iniu.# A5ala A%e&# Ma>ati Cit5 6hen he 6as in Manila an at Iluso$io Penthouse# 0a)uio Count$5 Club 6hen he 6as in 0a)uio Cit5& On the othe$ han # E$lin a li%e in Antipolo Cit5& Out of thei$ .a$$ia)e# the spouses ha siB :=< chil $en# na.el5I Ra.on Iluso$io :a)e ??<3 E$lin a Iluso$io 0il ne$ :a)e ?9<3 MaBi.o :a)e ?@<3 S5l%ia :a)e EH<3 Ma$ietta :a)e EF<3 an She$een :a)e CH<& On Dece.be$ C@# 1HHG# upon PotencianoTs a$$i%al f$o. the "nite States# he sta5e 6ith E$lin a fo$ about fi%e :?< .onths in Antipolo Cit5& The chil $en# S5l%ia an E$lin a :Lin<# alle)e that u$in) this ti.e# thei$ .othe$ )a%e Potenciano an o%e$ ose of 9@@ .) instea of 1@@ .) Soloft# an anti ep$essant $u) p$esc$ibe b5 his octo$ in Ne6 'o$># "&S&A& As a conse8uence# PotencianoTs health ete$io$ate & On Feb$ua$5 9?# 1HHF# E$lin a file 6ith the Re)ional T$ial Cou$t# Antipolo Cit5 a petition 1@ fo$ )ua$ ianship o%e$ the pe$son an p$ope$t5 of Potenciano Iluso$io ue to the latte$Ts a %ance a)e# f$ail health# poo$ e5esi)ht an i.pai$e ;u ).ent& On Ma5 C1# 1HHF# afte$ atten in) a co$po$ate .eetin) in 0a)uio Cit5# Potenciano Iluso$io i not $etu$n to Antipolo Cit5 an instea li%e at Cle%elan Con o.iniu.# Ma>ati& SlBsc On Ma$ch 11# 1HHH# E$lin a file 6ith the Cou$t of Appeals a petition fo$ habeas co$pus to ha%e the custo 5 of la65e$ Potenciano Iluso$io& She alle)e that $espon ents 11 $efuse petitione$Ts e.an s to see an %isit he$ husban an p$ohibite Potenciano f$o. $etu$nin) to Antipolo Cit5& Afte$ ue hea$in)# on Ap$il ?# 1HHH# the Cou$t of Appeals $en e$e 6hich $ea sI ecision the ispositi%e po$tion of

A2!EREFORE# in the li)ht of the fo$e)oin) is8uisitions# ;u ).ent is he$eb5 $en e$e I A:1< O$ e$in)# fo$ hu.anita$ian consi e$ation an upon petitione$Ts .anifestation# $espon ents E$lin a (& Iluso$io 0il ne$ an S5l%ia Iluso$io7'ap# the a .inist$ato$ of Cle%elan Con o.iniu. o$ an56he$e in its place# his )ua$ s an Potenciano Iluso$ioTs staff especiall5 Ms& Au$o$a Monte.a5o$ to allo6 %isitation $i)hts to Potenciano Iluso$ioTs 6ife# E$lin a Iluso$io an all he$ chil $en# not6ithstan in) an5 list li.itin) %isito$s the$eof# un e$ penalt5 of conte.pt in case of %iolation of $efusal the$eof3 BBB

A:9< ORDERIN* that the 6$it of habeas co$pus p$e%iousl5 issue be $ecalle an the he$ein petition fo$ habeas co$pus be DENIED D"E CO"RSE# as it is he$eb5 DISMISSED fo$ lac> of unla6ful $est$aint o$ etention of the sub;ect of the petition& ASO ORDERED&A19 !ence# the t6o petitions# 6hich 6e$e consoli ate an a$e he$ein ;ointl5 eci e & As he$etofo$e state # a 6$it of habeas co$pus eBten s to all cases of ille)al confine.ent o$ etention#1C o$ b5 6hich the $i)htful custo 5 of a pe$son is 6ithhel f$o. the one entitle the$eto& It is a%ailable 6he$e a pe$son continues to be unla6full5 enie of one o$ .o$e of his constitutional f$ee o.s# 6he$e the$e is enial of ue p$ocess# 6he$e the $est$aints a$e not .e$el5 in%olunta$5 but a$e unnecessa$5# an 6he$e a ep$i%ation of f$ee o. o$i)inall5 %ali has late$ beco.e a$bit$a$5& 1E It is e%ise as a spee 5 an effectual $e.e 5 to $elie%e pe$sons f$o. unla6ful $est$aint# as the best an onl5 sufficient efense of pe$sonal f$ee o.&1? ,>s.P V W The essential ob;ect an pu$pose of the 6$it of habeas co$pus is to in8ui$e into all .anne$ of in%olunta$5 $est$aint# an to $elie%e a pe$son the$ef$o. if such $est$aint is ille)al& 1= To ;ustif5 the )$ant of the petition# the $est$aint of libe$t5 .ust be an ille)al an in%olunta$5 ep$i%ation of f$ee o. of action&1G The ille)al $est$aint of libe$t5 .ust be actual an effecti%e# not .e$el5 no.inal o$ .o$al&1F The e%i ence sho6s that the$e 6as no actual an effecti%e etention o$ ep$i%ation of la65e$ Potenciano Iluso$ioTs libe$t5 that 6oul ;ustif5 the issuance of the 6$it& The fact that la65e$ Potenciano Iluso$io is about F= 5ea$s of a)e# o$ un e$ .e ication oes not necessa$il5 $en e$ hi. .entall5 incapacitate & Soun ness of .in oes not hin)e on a)e o$ .e ical con ition but on the capacit5 of the in i%i ual to isce$n his actions& Afte$ ue hea$in)# the Cou$t of Appeals conclu e that the$e 6as no unla6ful $est$aint on his libe$t5& The Cou$t of Appeals also obse$%e that la65e$ Potenciano Iluso$io i not $e8uest the a .inist$ato$ of the Cle%elan Con o.iniu. not to allo6 his 6ife an othe$ chil $en f$o. seein) o$ %isitin) hi.& !e .a e it clea$ that he i not ob;ect to seein) the.& As to la65e$ Potenciano Iluso$ioTs .ental state# the Cou$t of Appeals obse$%e that he 6as of soun an ale$t .in # ha%in) ans6e$e all the $ele%ant 8uestions to the satisfaction of the cou$t& 0ein) of soun .in # he is thus possesse 6ith the capacit5 to .a>e choices& In this case# the c$ucial choices $e%ol%e on his $esi ence an the people he opts to see o$ li%e 6ith& The choices he .a e .a5 not appeal to so.e of his fa.il5 .e.be$s but these a$e choices 6hich eBclusi%el5 belon) to Potenciano& !e .a e it clea$ befo$e the Cou$t of Appeals that he 6as not p$e%ente f$o. lea%in) his house o$ seein) people& 2ith that ecla$ation# an absent an5 t$ue $est$aint on his libe$t5# 6e ha%e no $eason to $e%e$se the fin in)s of the Cou$t of Appeals& 2ith his full .ental capacit5 couple 6ith the $i)ht of choice# Potenciano Iluso$io .a5 not be the sub;ect of %isitation $i)hts a)ainst his f$ee choice& Othe$6ise# 6e 6ill ep$i%e hi. of his $i)ht to p$i%ac5& Nee less to sa5# this 6ill $un a)ainst his fun a.ental constitutional $i)ht& EsP .

The Cou$t of Appeals eBcee e its autho$it5 6hen it a6a$ e %isitation $i)hts in a petition fo$ habeas co$pus 6he$e E$lin a ne%e$ e%en p$a5e fo$ such $i)ht& The $ulin) is not consistent 6ith the fin in) of sub;ectTs sanit5& 2hen the cou$t o$ e$e the )$ant of %isitation $i)hts# it also e.phasi+e that the sa.e shall be enfo$ce un e$ penalt5 of conte.pt in case of %iolation o$ $efusal to co.pl5& Such asse$tion of $a6# na>e po6e$ is unnecessa$5& The Cou$t of Appeals .isse the fact that the case i not in%ol%e the $i)ht of a pa$ent to %isit a .ino$ chil but the $i)ht of a 6ife to %isit a husban & In case the husban $efuses to see his 6ife fo$ p$i%ate $easons# he is at libe$t5 to o so 6ithout th$eat of an5 penalt5 attache to the eBe$cise of his $i)ht& No cou$t is e.po6e$e as a ;u icial autho$it5 to co.pel a husban to li%e 6ith his 6ife& Co%e$tu$e cannot be enfo$ce b5 co.pulsion of a 6$it of habeas co$pus ca$$ie out b5 she$iffs o$ b5 an5 othe$ .esne p$ocess& That is a .atte$ be5on ;u icial autho$it5 an is best left to the .an an 6o.anTs f$ee choice& 2!EREFORE# in *& R& No& 1CHGFH# the Cou$t DISMISSES the petition fo$ lac> of .e$it& No costs& In *& R& No& 1CHF@F# the Cou$t *RANTS the petition an nullifies the ecision of the Cou$t of Appeals insofa$ as it )i%es %isitation $i)hts to $espon ent E$lin a (& Iluso$io& No costs& SO ORDERED&

RULE 96 CASES GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES OF GUARDIANS

Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT Manila EN 0ANC G.R. No. 44466 S01206>0r 30, 193, "n r0 G ar%3an4h31 o7 2h0 63nor Mar3a EAa=2ac3on Ca423==o. COSME U. C$ST"LLO, petitione$7 appellant# %s& POTENC"$NO )UST$M$NTE, )ua$ ian7appellee& Ra+on Dio3no and &lfonso Farcon for appellant. (loria and (loria for appellee. $*$NCED$, C.J.5 Cos.e "& Castillo an Se$apia e *ala 6e$e .a$$ie in the 5ea$ 1FFH an ha chil $en of 6ho. Ma$ia EBcaltacion Castillo# 6ho 6as bo$n in 1H1?# is the onl5 su$%i%o$& On Ma5 9H# 1HCC# Se$apia e *ala institute a ci%il action a)ainst he$ husban Cos.e "& Castillo# p$a5in) fo$ the le)al sepa$ation of both# as spouses# an fo$ the i%ision of the p$ope$t5 ac8ui$e b5 the. u$in) thei$ .a$$ia)e& The5 co.p$o.ise sai suit on Octobe$ 1F# 1HCC# an a)$ee that each spouse shoul posses an ispose fo$ his o$ he$ eBclusi%e benefit of his o$ he$ $especti%e pa$aphe$nal o$ p$i%ate p$ope$t5 to)ethe$ 6ith the f$uits o$ inco.e the$eof# an that both shall assi)n to thei$ au)hte$ Ma$ia EBcaltacion the con;u)al p$ope$t5 esc$ibe in the ee of co.p$o.ise# 6ith the one$ous con itions specifie the$ein& On No%e.be$ 1# 1HCC# the cou$t $en e$e its ecision in acco$ ance 6ith the te$.s of the co.p$o.ise# the ispositi%e pa$t of 6hich $ea s as follo6sI

2he$efo$e# an upon petition of the pa$ties# sai ee of co.p$o.ise is app$o%e in each an e%e$5 one of its causes# pa$a)$aphs# con itions an stipulations# an it is ecla$e that both pa$ties a$e .utuall5 boun to co.pl5 6ith sai con itions# te$.s o$ stipulations& On Octobe$ 1F# 1HCC# the spouses# in co.pliance 6ith the co.p$o.ise an 6ith the abo%e78uote ispositi%e pa$t of the cou$t's ecision# eBecute the o.ain of the con;u)al p$ope$t5 to thei$ au)hte$ Ma$ia EBaltacion# to beco.e effecti%e afte$ the acceptance the$eof b5 the onee th$ou)h he$ ul5 autho$i+e )ua$ ian& Potenciano 0usta.ante# 6ho 6as appointe )ua$ ian of the then .ino$ Ma$ia EBaltacion Castillo# accepte the onation in such capacit5 on ,une 9G# 1HC?& On ,ul5 1?th# the )ua$ ian file a petition in cou$t p$a5in) that the p$ope$t5 belon)in) to the )ua$ ianship be eli%e$e to hi. b5 Cos.e "& Castillo 6ho $etains it in his possession& The cou$t# actin) fa%o$abl5 upon his petition# o$ e$e Cos.e "& Castillo# un e$ th$eat of conte.pt of cou$t# to tu$n o%e$ to an place the )ua$ ian Potenciano 0usta.ante# 6ithin thi$t5 a5s f$o. the ti.e he is notifie of sai o$ e$# in possession of all the p$ope$t5 esc$ibe in the ee of co.p$o.ise an onate late$ to Ma$ia EBaltacion Castillo& To cu$e an5 efect in the acceptance of the onation b5 the )ua$ ian# the cou$t# in this sa.e o$ e$# i$ecte the )ua$ ian to eBecute the necessa$5 ee to this effect an to notif5 the ono$s Cos.e "& Castillo an Se$apia e *ala the$eof& The appeal no6 un e$ consi e$ation 6as ta>en f$o. this $esolution& Inas.uch as the p$ope$t5 ha been onate an the onation late$ accepte b5 the onee's )ua$ ian# the o6ne$ship the$eof beco.e %este in the onee& Ma$ia EBaltacion's )ua$ ian# 6ho is un e$ obli)ation to a .iniste$ he$ p$ope$t5# is entitle # as p$a5e b5 hi. an as p$o%i e b5 the cou$t in its appeale o$ e$# to ta>e possession of this p$ope$t5 an $eco%e$ it f$o. Cos.e "& Castillo 6ho $etains it& The appellant alle)es a)ainst the appeale o$ e$ that the onation is of no effect# ha%in) been $e%o>e befo$e it 6as accepte & It is t$ue that it 6as $e%o>e but this efense is 6ithout .e$it& The onation 6as .a e b5 %i$tue of a co.p$o.ise 6hich# ha%in) been .a e to te$.inate a suit bet6een the appellant an his 6ife# has the autho$it5 ofres /udicata& Fu$the$.o$e# it has such autho$it5 because it is the ecision $en e$e b5 the cou$t in sai ci%il case# pu$suant to the te$.s of the co.p$o.ise :a$t& 1F1= of the Ci%il Co e<& The appellant b5 hi.self alone# cannot $e%o>e sai onation ha%in) such $e8uisites& Fu$the$.o$e# the cou$t# un e$ section ?GC of the Co e of Ci%il P$oce u$e ha ;u$is iction to ente$ the appeale o$ e$ issue b5 it in these )ua$ ianship p$ocee in)s& :Me$ca e$ %s& 2isli+enus# CE Phil&# FE=<& The o$ e$ appeale f$o. affi$.e # 6ith the costs to the appellant& So o$ e$e & Villa'Real, & ad 5antos, 0+perial, Diaz, %aurel and Concepcion, JJ., concu$&

RESOLUT"ON Dece+ er 9<, 9=>< $*$NCED$, C.J.: In his .otion fo$ $econsi e$ation of the ecision $en e$e in these t6o cases# 1 the appellant insists that the )ua$ ianship cou$t ha no ;u$is iction to issue its o$ e$ of ,ul5 9=# 1HC?# i$ectin) hi. to tu$n o%e$ to the )ua$ ian Potenciano 0usta.ante all the p$ope$ties onate b5 hi. to the .ino$ Ma$ia EBaltacion Castillo# to)ethe$ 6ith all the ocu.ents title an ee s $elati%e the$eto& The appellant in%o>es ecision $en e$e b5 this cou$t on the inte$p$etation of section G@H of the Co e of Ci%il P$oce u$e& This section $ea sI SEC& G@H& Proceeding for t"e recover# of propert# e+ ezzled or fraudulentl# conve#ed & 4 If an eBecution o$ a .inist$ation hei$ le)atee# c$e ito$# o$ othe$ pe$son inte$este in the estate of a ecease pe$son co.plaints to the cou$t ha%in) ;u$is iction of the estate# that a pe$son is suspecte of ha%in) conceale # e.be++le # o$ con%ene a6a5 an5 of the .one5# )oo s o$ chattels of the ecease # o$ that such pe$son has in his possession# o$ has >no6le )e of an5 ee # con%e5ance# bon # cont$act# o$ othe$ 6$itin) 6hich contains e%i ence of# o$ ten s

to isclose the $i)ht title# inte$est# o$ clai. of the ecease to $eal o$ pe$sonal estate o$ the last 6ill an testa.ent of the ecease # the cou$t .a5 cite such suspecte pe$son to appea$ befo$e it an .a5 eBa.ine hi. oath on the .atte$ of such co.plaint3 if the pe$son so cite $efuses to appea$ an ans6e$ such eBa.ination# o$ to ans6e$ such inte$$o)ato$ies as a$e put to hi.# the cou$t .a5# b5 6a$$ant# co..it hi. to the ;ail o$ p$ison of the p$o%ince# the$e to $e.ain in close custo 5 until he sub.its to the o$ e$ of the cou$t3 an such inte$$o)ato$ies an ans6e$s shall be in 6$itin) sai si)ne b5 the pa$t5 eBa.ine # an file in the cle$>'s office& The ecisions $efe$$e to b5 the appellant :Chanco %s& Ma $ile;os an Ab$eu# 19 Phil&# ?EC3 Alaf$i+ %s& Mina&# 9F Phil&# 1CG3 *uanco %s& National 0an># ?E Phil&# 9EE< hol that the ;u$is iction )$ante to the cou$t b5 this section is li.ite to eBa.inin) un e$ oath# pe$sons suspecte of ha%in) in thei$ possession p$ope$t5 belon)in) to the estate an causin) sai eBa.ination to be .a e b5 .eans of inte$$o)ato$ies an ans6e$s in 6$itin) si)ne b5 the pa$t5 eBa.ine an file in the cle$>'s office& This section co.es un e$ the chapte$ on a .inist$ation of estate of ecease pe$sons& The o$ e$ of ,ul5 9=# 1HC?# in 8uestion# 6as issue b5 the cou$t in a )ua$ ianship p$ocee in) b5 %i$tue of section ?GC# 6hich $ea s as follo6sI SEC& ?GC& $*a+ination of person suspected of defrauding .ards or concealing propert# & 4 "pon co.plaint .a e to hi. b5 an5 )ua$ ian# 6a$ # c$e ito$# o$ othe$ pe$son inte$este in the estate o$ ha%in) a p$ospecti%e inte$est the$ein as hei$ o$ othe$6ise# a)ainst an5one suspecte of ha%in) conceale # e.be++le # o$ con%e5e a6a5# an5 .one5# )oo s# o$ inte$est# o$ an inst$u.ent in 6$itin) belon)in) to the 6a$ o$ to his estate# the Cou$t of Fi$st Instance# o$ the ;u )e the$eof# of the p$o%ince 6he$ein the )ua$ ian 6as appointe # .a5 cite such suspecte pe$son to appea$ befo$e such ;u )e o$ cou$t# an .a5 eBa.ine hi. touchin) such .one5# )oo s# effect# o$ inst$u.ent# an .a5 .a>e such o$ e$ as is necessa$5 to secu$e the estate a)ainst such conceal.ent# e.be++le.ent# o$ con%e5ance& In the 6o$ in) of both section the$e is a substantial iffe$ence in icatin) iffe$ent pu$pose in the la6& Section G@H# afte$ $efe$$in) to the eBa.ination of the suspecte pe$son# .e$el5 p$o%i es that such eBa.ination be .a e b5 .eans of inte$$o)ato$ies an ans6e$s si)ne b5 the pa$t5 eBa.ine an file in the cle$>'s office& Section ?GC eBp$essl5 autho$i+es the ;u )e o$ cou$t to .a>e such o$ e$s as a$e necessa$5 to secu$e the estate a)ainst conceal.ent# e.be++le.ent# o$ con%e5ance& Fo$ this $eason# not6ithstan in) the ecisions cite b5 the appellant $elati%e to the inte$p$etation of section G@H# 6he$ein this cou$t clea$l5 hel that the ;u$is iction of the p$obate cou$t is li.ite to the eBa.ination of the suspecte pe$son an the conse$%ation of his state.ent# this sa.e cou$t# inte$p$etin) section ?GC# $en e$e the ecision in the case Me$ca e$ %s& 2isli+enus :CE Phil&# FE=<& This case in%ol%e the )ua$ ianship of the lunatic Vicente Escio& In %ie6 of the alle)ation of he$ )ua$ ian that one Cesa$ Me$ca e$ ha ta>en possession of an 6as en)a)e in sec$etin) ce$tain p$ope$t5 of the inco.petent# the cou$t issue an o$ e$ $e8ui$in) Me$ca e$ to appea$ befo$e the cou$t to sho6 cause 6h5 he shoul not eli%e$ the p$ope$t5 to the )ua$ ian& This cou$t hel that the ;u )e ha ;u$is iction to issue sai o$ e$& It is infe$$e the$ef$o. that if the ;u )e fin s the cause alle)e insufficient to 6a$$ant non eli%e$5 of the possession of the p$ope$t5# he coul # if he ee.s it necessa$5 fo$ the p$otection the$eof# o$ e$ sai p$ope$t5 eli%e$e to the )ua$ ian& That the ;u )e has ;u$is iction to $e8ui$e that cause be sho6n 6h5 the p$ope$t5 shoul both be eli%e$e # 6oul be enti$el5 e%oi of an5 pu$pose if# in the en # 6hate%e$ the cause alle)e .a5 be# 6hethe$ satisfacto$5 o$ not# he coul not o$ e$ the eli%e$5 the$eof to the )ua$ ian# as a .easu$e of p$otection& It shoul be bo$ne in .in # ho6e%e$# that such o$ e$ oes not ha%e the effect of a final ecla$ation of $i)hts p$e%entin) the appellant f$o. institutin) an5 action $elati%e to the p$ope$t5 in 8uestion& It bein) establishe b5 the facts state in the ecision that the p$ope$ties ha%e passe to the .ino$ b5 onation a)$ee to b5 the appellant an o$ e$e # upon his petition# in final ;u icial ecision consente to an co.plie 6ith b5 hi.# it is not the atto$ne5 fo$ the .ino$ but the appellant 6ho# at all e%ents shoul b$in) the co$$espon in) action# if he esi$es to attac> this title of the .ino$ to the p$ope$ties&

Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT Manila EN 0ANC G.R. No. L-16,08 Oc2o>0r 31, 196TRUSTEES&"P O' T&E M"NORS )EN"GNO, $NGEL$ an% $NTON"O a== 4 rna60% PERE# . TU$SON, P&"L"PP"NE N$T"ON$L )$N/, J %3c3a= G ar%3an o7 )EN"GNO PERE#, $NTON"O M. PERE#, ;u icial )ua$ ian7appellant# %s& J. $NTON"O $R$NET$, t$ustee7appellee& &lfonso Feli*, Jr. for /udicial guardian'appellant. &raneta and &raneta for trustee'appellee. CONCEPC"ON, J.: This is an appeal b5 6$it of e$$o$ f$o. an o$ e$ of the Cou$t of Fi$st Instance of Ri+al en5in) a .otion of appellant# Antonio M& Pe$e+# as ;u icial )ua$ ian of his chil $en# the .ino$s 0eni)no# An)ela# an Antonio# all su$na.e Pe$e+ 5 Tuason& In pu$suance of the p$o%isions of the 6ill of the late An)ela S& Tuason 4 6hich 6as p$obate in Special P$ocee in)s No& ?F? of sai Cou$t 4 appellee ,& Antonio A$aneta 6as on Ma$ch 9E# 1H?@# appointe # in Special P$ocee in)s No& -7GC of the sa.e Cou$t# as t$ustee of p$ope$t5 be8ueathe b5 the ecease to so.e of he$ hei$s# inclu in) he$ )$an chil $en# the afo$e.entione .ino$s& On Octobe$ E# 1H?@# appellee .o%e fo$ the app$o%al of accounts an the fiBin) of his co.pensation as such t$ustee& Appellant's 6ife# An)ela I& Tuason# he$eafte$ $efe$$e to as M$s& Pe$e+# as 6ell as the .othe$ an )ua$ ian at the ti.e# of sai .ino$s# ob;ecte the$eto an u$)e the cou$t to $e.o%e appellee as t$ustee an appoint the Philippine T$ust in his place an to $e%o>e# not onl5 ce$tain sale .a e b5 hi.# but# also# an o$ e$ of the cou$t ate Ma$ch 9E# 1H?@# )$antin) hi. the po6e$ to sell t$ust p$ope$ties 6ithout special ;u icial autho$i+ation the$efo$& Subse8uentl5# appellant ;oine his 6ife in see>in) this $elief& Afte$ app$op$iate p$ocee in)s# sai Cou$t issue on Dece.be$ 9C# 1H?@# an o$ e$ app$o%in) sai accounts# efe$$in) action on the co.pensation of the t$ustee# .o if5in) in pa$t sai o$ e$ of Ma$ch 9E# 1H?@# an en5in) the .otion of M$s& Pe$e+& The pe$tinent pa$t of the afo$e.entione o$ e$ of Dece.be$ 9C# 1H?@# $ea s as follo6sI It bein) establishe that the t$ust 6as eBp$essl5 c$eate b5 the ecease # 6e shall no6 eBa.ine 6hethe$ the t$ustee co.es un e$ the acti%e supe$%ision of the Cou$t an 6hethe$ ou$ o$ e$ of Ma$ch 9E# 1H?@# )$antin) to sai t$ustee autho$it5 to sell the t$ust $es 6ithout the nee of ;u icial autho$i+ation e$$oneous o$ not& The Cou$t accepts in %ie6 u$)e b5 the t$ustee that onl5 6hen the testato$ Ahas o.itte in his 6ill to appoint a t$usteeA .a5 the Cou$t appoint one& This is in a acco$ ance 6ith Section 9# Rule HH# of the Rules of Cou$t& 2hen an eBp$ess t$ust has been c$eate # the po6e$s of the t$ust shall be ete$.ine b5 the t$ust inst$u.ent itself& In this pa$ticula$ case# the t$ustee ,& Antonio A$aneta 6as )i%en Aa.plios po e$es e %en e$ los .is.osA& The testat$iB e.phasi+es he$ esi$e that the t$ustee shall ha%e a.ple po6e$s 6hen in anothe$ pa$t of he$ 6ill she states that the po6e$s of sai t$ustee shall be Alos po e$es .as a.plios pe$.iti os po$ la le5A& The$e is nothin) a)ainst the la6 fo$ a t$usto$ to )$ant to the t$ustee a.ple po6e$s# an 6hen the ecease An)ela S& Tuason )$ante sai po6e$s to the t$ustee# she e.phasi+e he$ intention that in the eBe$cise of sai po6e$s b5 the t$ustee# the$e shoul be no cou$t supe$%ision& A05 the te$.s of t$ust# it .a5 be left to the isc$etion of the t$ustee 6hethe$ o$ not to eBe$cise a po6e$# o$ 6he$e he is i$ecte to eBe$cise the po6e$# the ti.e an .anne$ of its eBe$cise .a5 be left to his isc$etion& To the eBtent to 6hich the t$ustee has isc$etion# the Cou$t 6ill not cont$ol his eBe$cise as lon) as he o not eBcee the li.its of the isc$etion confe$$e upon hi.& The cou$t 6ill not substitute its o6n ;u ).ent fo$ his & & & & The cases a$e nu.e$ous in 6hich it has been hel that 6he$e isc$etion is confe$$e upon the t$ustee 6ith $espect to the eBe$cise of a po6e$# the

cou$t 6ill not inte$fe$e 6ith hi. in his eBe$cise o$ failu$e to eBe$cise the po6e$ so lon) as he is not )uilt5 of an abuse of isc$etion& :Scott on T$usts# Vol& 9# Sec& 1FG<A Such bein) the case# the$e is no $eason fo$ the cou$t to inte$%ene in the eBecution b5 the t$ustee of the po6e$s )$ante to hi. b5 the t$usto$& 2e conclu e# the$efo$e# that ou$ o$ e$ of Ma$ch 9E# 1H?@ )$antin) autho$it5 to the t$ustee ,& Antonio A$aneta to sell the t$ust $es 6ithout ;u icial autho$it5 is co$$ect& Fo$ the pu$pose# ho6e%e$# of safe)ua$ in) the inte$ests of the beneficia$ies of this t$ust# sai o$ e$ is he$eb5 a.en e as follo6sI :a< That the bon of the t$ustee is he$eb5 inc$ease f$o. P1@#@@@&@@ to PC@#@@@&@@ an the p$e.iu. fo$ the bon :PC@#@@@&@@< shall be fo$ the account of the t$ust3 :b< That the T$ustee .a5 sell# encu.be$ o$ othe$6ise ispose of an5 of the t$ust $es 6ithout the nee of ;u icial autho$i+ation3 p$o%i e # that if the a.ount in%ol%e eBcee s PC@#@@@&@@# the t$ustee shall notif5 the natu$al )ua$ ians o$ the ;u icial )ua$ ian in case the$e be one appointe b5 the Cou$t of the beneficia$ies ten :1@< a5s befo$e the p$opose sale o$ encu.b$ance is eBecute # an in case the a.ount in%ol%e be PC@#@@@&@@ o$ less# the t$ustee shall a %ise sai )ua$ ians 6ithin ten :1@< a5s afte$ eBecutin) a ee of sale o$ encu.b$ance& 2!EREFORE# :1< the accounts file b5 the t$ustee as pe$ AnneBes A# 0# an C attache to his .otion of Octobe$ ?# 1H?@ a$e he$eb5 app$o%e 3 :9< the petition of t$ustee to fiB his co.pensation is he$eb5 efe$$e until such ti.e as he shall p$esent it a)ain3 :C< the petition file b5 the pa$ents of the .ino$s fo$ the $e.o%al of the t$ustee ,& Antonio A$aneta is he$eb5 enie & Li>e6ise# thei$ petition that the Philippine T$ust Co& o$ Att5& F$an> 2& 0$a 5 be appointe co7t$ustee enie 3 E< the petition that the sale of the be in fa%o$ of Antonio Tuason# ,$& be $e%o>e is he$eb5 enie 3 an :?< the petition that the o$ e$ of this cou$t# ate Ma$ch 9E# 1H?@# )i%in) the t$ustee po6e$ to sell 6ithout the nee of ;u icial autho$i+ation be $e%o>e is also he$eb5 enie & A $econsi e$ation of this o$ e$ ha%in) been enie # / M$s& Pe$e+ file 6ith the Sup$e.e Cou$t a petition *&R& No& L7=1F9 the$eof 4 fo$ certiorari# 6ith p$eli.ina$5 in;unction# to annul sai o$ e$s of Ma$ch 9E an Dece.be$ 9C# 1H?@& A 6$it of p$eli.ina$5 in;unction 6as issue this b5 Cou$t soon the$eafte$& In a ecision p$o.ul)ate Ap$il 1C# 1H??# 6e enie sai petition an issol%e sai 6$it of p$eli.ina$5 in;unction& In pu$suance of the afo$e.entione o$ e$s of Ma$ch 9E an Dece.be$ 9C# 1H?@# appellee 6$ote on ,une 9C# 1H?H# to appellant# as the then ;u icial )ua$ ian of sai .ino$ a lette$ info$.in) hi. of a p$opose sale to O$ti)as / Co&# Lt &# of se%e$al lots un e$ t$usteeship# locate in Ma$i>ina# Ri+al# an a))$e)atin) E9&=@H1 hecta$es# at the $ate of P9&HC a s8ua$e .ete$& 2e 8uote f$o. sai co..unicable petitionI Pu$suant to the o$ e$ of the Cou$t of Fi$st Instance of -ue+on Cit5 in t$usteeship p$ocee in) No& -7GC# I 6ith to a %ise 5ou that ten :1@< a5s afte$ 5ou$ $eceipt of this lette$# I# in .5 capacit5 as t$ustee in sai p$ocee in)s# shall eBecute ee of sale 6ith .o$t)a)e in fa%o$ of O$ti)as / Co.pan5 Li.ite Pa$tne$ship# the follo6in) lots locate at Ma$i>ina 6hich fo$. pa$t of the t$ust estateI -.C.-. )o. ?Rizal@ 99CH? A A A %ote )o. EH7C7C7A7C7C717A79 EH7C7C7A7C7C797A7970 EH7C7C7A7C7C717A71 EH7C7C7A7C7C797A797A Psd. 9HH=? A A A &rea ?5! +.@ 9EH 1CF#=F9 9GC 1?H#@?E

A 99CH= A A

EH7C7C7A7C7C797A7G EH7C7C7A7C7C7C7A7C717E EH7C7C7A7C7C7C7A7C7A7E7A7 1 EH7C7C7A7C7C7C7A7C7A7E7A7 C

1F9EG 9HH=? A A

91#@FH 9E#@E@ G#H=F GE#GC=

The p$ice is P1#9?@#@@@&@@ pa5able un e$ the follo6in) con itionsI 1& "pon acceptance of the p$oposal# the su. of P9@#@@@&@@& 9& "pon si)nin) the ee of sale 6ith .o$t)a)e# the su. of PC@@#@@@&@@& C& The balance shall be pai 6ithin a pe$io of one an a half75ea$s# 6ith inte$est at =X pe$ annu.& E& The p$ope$t5 .ust be sol f$o. all liens an encu.b$ances# pa$ticula$l5 a )ua$antee that the$e a$e no s8uatte$s& ?& 0$o>e$'s co..ission shall be fo$ bu5e$'s account& Th$ee :C< a5s late$# appellant info$.e appellee b5 lette$ :EBhibit C< of his :appellant's< ob;ections to the p$opose sale& Mo$eo%e$# on ,ul5 1# 1H?H appellant file # in the t$usteeship p$ocee in)s# a .otion p$a5in) fo$ a 6$it of p$eli.ina$5 in;unction to $est$ain appellee f$o. p$ocee in) 6ith the sale& Subse8uentl5# the Philippine National 0an># as )ua$ ian of the estate of 0eni)no Pe$e+ 5 Tuason# one of the hei$s of An)ela I& Tuason# ecease # a opte sai .otion of appellant he$ein as its o6n& At the instance of appellant# a notice of lis pendens6as# on ,ul5 9H# 1H?H# annotate on the o$i)inal ce$tificates of title to the p$ope$t5 in 8uestion& Afte$ ue hea$in)# the lo6e$ cou$t issue an o$ e$# ate Octobe$ 1?# 1H?H# en5in) appellant's .otion an petition fo$ a 6$it of p$eli.ina$5 in;unction& !ence# this appeal b5 Antonio M& Pe$e+& The Philippine National 0an> has not ;oine hi. in the appeal& Subse8uentl5# appellee effecte the sale afo$e.entione to O$ti)as / Co&# Lt & The .ain issues a$eI :1< 6hethe$ o$ not the su. of P9&HC pe$ s8ua$e .ete$ a)$ee upon 6ith O$ti)as / Co&# Lt &# is the fai$ .a$>et %alue of the p$ope$t5 afo$e.entione 3 an :9< 6hethe$ the sale the$eof 6oul be in;u$ious to the inte$est of the beneficia$ies o$ cestui !ue trust& 2ith $espect to the fi$st issue# appellant .aintains that the fai$ .a$>et %alue of the p$ope$t5 abo%e $efe$$e to is P?&@@ a s8ua$e .ete$# as state in the $epo$t :EBhibit E< of his $ealt5 estate eBpe$t# M$& A& Va$ias& It appea$s f$o. this $epo$t that the conclusion the$ein $eache b5 M$& A& Va$ias is base upon :a< so.e offe$s to sell p$ope$ties locate in the %icinit5 of the one in%ol%e in this case3 an :b< ce$tain sales of $eal estate specifie in the $epo$t& !o6e%e$# offe$s to sell a$e not co.petent e%i ence of the fai$ .a$>et %alue of a p$ope$t5& Sai offe$s to sell a$e no bette$ than offe$s to bu5# 6hich ha%e been hel be ina .issible as p$oof of sai %alue& :Cit5 of Manila Est$a a# 9? Phil& 9@F3 Manila Rail$oa Co& %s& A)uila C? Phil& 11F3 Cit5 of Da%ao %s& Dacu ao L7CGE1# Ma5 9# 1H?9&< In ee # & & & To i.a)ine a sale 6ithout a bu5e$ 6oul be absu$ # fo$ if the$e is no bu5e$ the co..o it5 6oul b$in) nothin) & & & & In iscussin) the te$. A.a$>et %alueA the autho$ of a 6ell7>no6n t$eaties on the sub;ect of a.a)es obse$%es that to .a>e a .a$>et the$e .ust be both bu5in) an sellin)3 an the A.a$>et %alueA sa5s he# is that $easonable su. 6hich the p$ope$t5 6oul b$in) on a fai$ sale b5 a .an 6illin) but not obli)e to sell to a .an 6illin) but not obli)e to bu5& :Se )e6ic> on Da.a)es# sec& 9E?3 cite in Co.pa)nie F$anco7In o Chinoise %s& Deutsch7Aust$aliache# CH Phil& EGE&<

The afo$e.entione $epo$t $elies# also# upon the sale a lot of H#=GH s8ua$e .ete$s at P?&G@ a s8ua$e .ete$ an t6o :9< sales each of lot of 9@#@@@ s8ua$e .ete$s an a sale of a lot of 9F1#E?9 s8ua$e .ete$s# at PE&@@ s8ua$e .ete$& These t$ansactions can not se$%e as basis fo$ the ete$.ination of the %alue of the p$ope$t5 in ispute fo$ the lan s in%ol%e in the fo$.e$ a$e .uch s.alle$ than the latte$# the a$ea of 6hich is E9=#@H1 s8ua$e .ete$s# an it is a .atte$ of co..on >no6le )e that the p$ice beco.es lesse$ as the si+e of the p$ope$t5 sol beco.es bi))e$& Mo$eo%e$# the lan s co%e$e b5 sai t$ansactions o not appea$ to be in the %icinit5 of the p$ope$t5 in liti)ation& 2hat is .o$e# no effo$t has been .a e to p$o%e that the natu$e an con ition of the fo$.e$ a$e analo)ous# o$ at least# co.pa$able to those of the latte$& In Manila Railroad Co. vs. Mitc"ell :EH Phil& F@1<# this Cou$t hel I & & & The eBhibits 6e$e clea$l5 ina .issible in e%i ence an p$ope$l5 $e;ecte b5 the :lo6e$< cou$t& In o$ e$ that such e%i ence .a5 be a .itte # it is necessa$5 that the p$ope$ties sol be in the i++ediate neig" or"ood o$ 6ithin the +one of the co..e$cial acti%it5 6ith 6hich the con e.ne p$ope$t5 is i entifie & :E.phasis supplie &< "pon the othe$ han # it appea$s that in 1H?? the "ni%e$sal TeBtile Mills bou)ht a lot of 11@#@@E s8ua$e .ete$s nea$ the t$ust p$ope$ties in 8uestion at P9&?@ a s8ua$e .ete$# 6he$eas a lan of 91C#E?F s8ua$e .ete$s# situate in the sa.e nei)hbo$hoo # 6as# in 1H?=# ac8ui$e b5 the Manila 0a5 Spinnin) Mill# at P1&?@ a s8ua$e .ete$& A)ain# p$io$ to the sale of sai t$ust p$ope$ties to O$ti)as / Co&# Lt & offe$s to pu$chase the sa.e nei)hbo$hoo 6e$e .a e b5 "nite Labo$ato$ies# Inc& an one M$& Philipps at P9&?@ an P9&G@# $especti%el5# a s8ua$e .ete$& It 6oul thus appea$ that the p$ice of P9&HC a s8ua$e .ete$ a)$ee upon 6ith O$ti)as / Co&# Lt & is fai$l5 $ep$esentati%e of the .a$>et %alue of sai lan # an this is bo$ne out b5 the testi.on5 of A$tu$o Ruis an Lau$o Ma$8ue+# the $eal estate b$o>e$s 6ho too> the 6itness stan fo$ he$ein appellee& It is neBt u$)e that the sale of the p$ope$t5 in 8uestion is not onl5 unnecessa$5# but also in;u$ious to the .ino$s $ep$esente b5 appellant he$ein# b5 $eason of possible e%aluation# an hi)h inco.e taBes& This p$etense is p$e icate # ho6e%e$# upon shee$ speculation& Fu$the$.o$e# the last 6ill an testa.ent of An)ela S& Tuason# in pu$suance of 6hich the t$ust 6as establishe # p$o%i es thatI Cua$ta& 4 Institu5o co.o .is unicos he$e e$os a .is .enciona os t$es hi;os a $a+on e una no%ena pa$te el cau al he$e ita$io 8ue e;a$e pa$a ca a uno e $ellos& Le)o a .i hi;o Antonio ot$a po$cion e8ui%alente a os no%enas pa$tes el cau al he$e ita$io& Le)o asi .is.o a .is nietos 8ue fue$en hi;os e .i hi;a Nie%es# ot$a po$cion e8ui%alents a os no%enas pa$tes el cau al he$e ita$io& ' final.einte le)o a .is nietos 8ue fue$en hi;os e .i hi;a An)ela ot$a po$cion e8ui%alente a os no%enas pa$tes el cau al he$e ita$io& Dichos t$es le)a os# sin e.ba$)o# estansuietos a la .an a 8ue se .enciona en el pa$$afo si)uiente Los os le)a os a fa%o$ e .is .enciona os nietos se$an a .inist$a os po$ .i Albacea ,& Antonio A$aneta :5 en efecto e este# su he$.ano# Sal%a o$ A$aneta<# con a.plios po e$es e Nen e$ los .is.os# 5 con su p$o ucto a 8ui$i$ ot$os bienes# 5 con e$echo a cob$a$ po$ su a .inist$acion# hono$a$ios $a+onables Los po e$es e icho a .inist$a o$ se$an los e un t$ustee con los po e$es .as a.plias pe$.iti os po$ la le5 Debe$a sin e.ba$)o# $en i$ t$i.est$al .ente cuenta e su a .inist$acion a los le)ata$ios 8ue fue$en .a5o$es e e a 5 a los tuto$es e los 8ue fue$en .eno$es e e a ' asi.is.o ebe$a hace$les ent$e)a e la pa$ticipacion 8ue a ca a le)ata$io co$$espon a en las $entas netas e la a .inist$acion& La a .inist$acion sob$e un )$upo cesa$a cuan o to os .is nietos e icho )$upo lle)a$en a su .a5o$ia e e a # 5 una .a5o$ia e los .is.os aco$ a$en la te$.inacion e la a .inist$acion& Po$ nietos ebe enten e$se so nola.ente a los nietos %a$ones sino ta.bien a los nietos .u;e$es& Refe$$in) to this p$o%ision of sai 6ill# 6e ha occasion to sa5 in *&R& No& L7=1F9I & & & th$ou)hout clause E of the 6ill# one can see that the testat$iB place i.plicit confi ence an t$ust in A$aneta 6ho. she esi)nate as t$ustee# an fo$ hi. to continue fo$ a lon) ti.e# not onl5 until the .ino$ chil $en of An)ela S& Tuason inclu in) those 5et unbo$n# attaine the a)e of .a;o$it5 but onl5 6hen a .a;o$it5 of the. eci e to en the t$ust& In sho$t# the t$usto$ ha such faith an confi ence appellee that she $elie full5 upon his ;u ).ent an isc$etion& The eBe$cise the$eof b5 appellees shoul not be istu$be # the$efo$e# eBcept upon

clea$ p$oof of f$au o$ ba faith# o$ unless the t$ansaction in 8uestion is .anifestl5 p$e;u icial to the inte$est of the .ino$s afo$e.entione petitione & Such is not the situation obtainin) in the p$esent case& 2!EREFORE# the o$ e$s appeale f$o. a$e he$eb5 affi$.e # 6ith costs a)ainst the appellant& It is so o$ e$e &

G.R. No. L-4--15 J =! 13, 19,6 ENC$RN$C"ON LOPE# *($. (E )$LU.UT, petitione$# %s& &ON. JU(GE LEONOR "NES LUC"$NO, Pr043%3n8 J %80, J :0n3=0 E (o60423c R0=a23on4 Co r2, + 0Fon C32!, CR"STET$ (E CUEST$ an% GU$($LUPE (E *"R$., $espon ents& 5antiago, 5alunat & &g a#ani for petitioner. Bengzon, Bengzon, Villaro+an & De Vera for respondents.

$+U"NO, J.: Enca$nacion Lope+ V a& e 0alu5ut appeale b5 ce$tio$a$i f$o. :1< the o$ e$ ate Septe.be$ 9?# 1HG? of the ,u%enile an Do.estic Relations Cou$t of -ue+on Cit5# ecla$in) he$ an inco.petent an sche ulin) hea$in) to ete$.ine 6ho shoul be appointe as he$ )ua$ ian an :9< its o$ e$ of Dece.be$ 1@# 1HG?# en5in) he$ .otion to set asi e the ecla$ation of inco.petenc5# 6hich 6as issue befo$e he$ counsel coul c$oss7eBa.ine the ps5chiat$ist# an sche ulin) the c$oss7 eBa.ination on ,anua$5 91# 1HG= :Special P$ocee in) No& -C7@@HCH<& The antece ents of the appeal a$e as follo6sI Sote$o 0alu5ut# a $esi ent of ?H -ue+on 0oule%a$ EBtension -ue+on Cit5# ie at the a)e of ei)ht57 siB 5ea$s# lea%in) an estate alle)e l5 %alue at not less than t6o .illion pesos& !e 6as su$%i%e b5 Enca$nacion Lope+# his se%ent57fi%e75ea$ ol 6i o6& Soon afte$ Sote$o 0alu5ut's eath# his alle)e nephe6# Alf$e o *& 0alu5ut# eBe$te effo$ts to cont$ol the ece ent's estate& Assistin) hi. in the attain.ent of that )oal 6e$e the 6i o6's siste$s# C$isteta Lope+ V a& e la Cuesta an *ua alupe Lope+ Vi$a5& Thei$ anta)onists 6e$e the 6i o6 an he$ all5# ,ose *& Espino an alle)e natu$al chil of Sote$o 0alu5ut& On Feb$ua$5# 9@# 1HG?# o$ fo$t57fi%e a5s afte$ Sote$o 0alu5ut's e.ise# Alf$e o file a petition in the Cou$t of Fi$st Instance of -ue+on Cit5 fo$ the settle.ent of the ece ent's estate& !e alle)e that M$s& 0alu5ut 6as .entall5 incapable of a .iniste$in) he$ affai$s an the ece ent's estate o$ of actin) as eBecut$iB of his 6ill# if an5& !e p$a5e that# afte$ hea$in)# he be appointe a .inist$ato$ an # in the .eanti.e# special a .inist$ato$ :Special P$ocee in) No& -71HGHE& See L7E9@FF# 0alu5ut %s& ,u )e Pano# Ma5 G# 1HG=<& Alf$e o i not content hi.self 6ith the filin) of the a .inist$ation p$ocee in)& On that sa.e a5# Feb$ua$5 9@# he file in the ,u%enile an Do.estic Relations Cou$t of -ue+on Cit5 a petition to ecla$e M$s& 0alu5ut an inco.petent an to place he$ un e$ )ua$ ianship&

!e alle)e that ue to a hea in;u$5 she Ahas suffe$e i.pai$.ent of he$ .ental facultiesA an that Ashe is no lon)e$ co.petent# ph5sicall5 an .entall5A# to .ana)e he$ affai$s& !e clai.e that he 6as able# 8ualifie an $ea 5 to act as he$ )ua$ ian& E%i entl5# Alf$e o sou)ht to i..obili+e M$s& 0alu5ut an p$e%ent he$ f$o. a .iniste$in) the ece ent's estate# supposel5 a con;u)al estate :Special P$ocee in) No& -7@@H9?<& Afte$ the petition 6as pa$tiall5 hea$ # M$s& 0alu5ut lea$ne of the )ua$ ianship p$ocee in)& She file a %e$ifie opposition 6he$ein she enie the alle)ations $e)a$ in) he$ alle)e .ental inco.petenc5& She alle)e that the petition 6as file afte$ Alf$e o's atte.pts to )et possession of the ece ent's estate 6e$e abo$te an afte$ M$s& 0alu5ut's $esi ence 6as $ansac>e on Feb$ua$5 19# $esultin) in the loss of i.po$tant pape$s an cash of not less than one hun $e thousan pesos& She alle)e that the ocu.ents bein) use b5 Alf$e o a)ainst he$ 6e$e Athe p$o uct not onl5 of an ille)al sei+u$e but of a plain an si.ple $obbe$5A3 that the filin) of the petition 6as Aan act of is$espect to the ecease A# since Alf$e o an his coho$ts 6e$e Acu le an $ea$e A b5 the spouses Sote$o 0alu5ut an Enca$nacion Lope+3 that the$e coul be no ;ustice in ecla$in) he$ an inco.petent ;ust to enable Alf$e o to ta>e he$ p$ope$ties# an that 0ecause of the .alicious petition she suffe$e sleepless ni)hts an se$ious anBiet5& On Ap$il G Alf$e o file a .otion p$a5in) that M$s& 0alu5ut be sub;ecte to a neu$ops5chiat$ic eBa.ination& She file a counte$.otion to eBpun)e that .otion f$o. the $eco$ & On Ap$il 1?# Alf$e o file an a.en e petition p$a5in) that M$s Cuesta an M$s& Vi$a5 be appointe )ua$ ians of the pe$son an p$ope$t5 of thei$ siste$# M$s& 0alu5ut& The latte$ %ehe.entl5 oppose the a.en e petition& Late$# Alf$e o .o%e o$all5 that he be consi e$e is8ualifie to act as )ua$ ian in %ie6 of his appoint.ent as special a .inist$ato$& The lo6e$ cou$t in its o$ e$ of Ap$il 9F# 1HG?# )$ante Alf$e o's .otions that he be consi e$e is8ualifie to act as )ua$ ian an that M$s& 0alu5ut shoul un e$)o a neu$ops5chiat$ic eBa.ination 6hich 6as sche ule on Ma5 G at the Philippine *ene$al !ospital befo$e Docto$s Lou$ es V& Lapu+ o$ 0alta+a$ Re5es& The lo6e$ cou$t a %ise M$s& Cuesta an M$s& Vi$a5 to file thei$ o6n petition fo$ appoint.ent as )ua$ ians of M$s& 0alu5ut& The lo6e$ cou$t in its o$ e$ of ,une 9@# 1HG? is.isse Alf$e o's petition fo$ )ua$ ianship& That en e $oun one of the )ua$ ianship inci ent& The secon $oun sta$te on Ma5 =# 1HG? 6hen M$s& Cuesta an M$s& Vi$a5 file in the sa.e cou$t thei$ petition ate Ap$il 9F# p$a5in) that M$s& 0alu5ut be ecla$e an inco.petent an that the5 he appointe as he$ )ua$ ian& The5 $eplea e the .ate$ial alle)ations of Alf$e o's a.en e petition :Special P$ocee in) No& -C7@@&HCH<& G On the follo6in) a5# Ma5 G# M$s& Cuesta an M$s& Vi$a5 file an u$)ent e*'parte .otion p$a5in) that M$s& 0alu5ut be o$ e$e to $e.ain at the con;u)al $esi ence an that she be place un e$ the cou$t's p$otection o$ in he$ siste$s' custo 5 so that she coul be a%ailable fo$ ps5chiat$ic eBa.ination& 2ithout hea$in) M$s& 0alu5ut# the lo6e$ cou$t on Ma5 F )$ante the .otion& On Ma5 1= M$s& Cuesta an M$s& Vi$a5 file an a.en e petition ate Ma5 F to cu$e the eficiencies of thei$ o$i)inal petition& On Ma5 91# M$s& 0alu5ut file a .otion to set asi e the Ma5 F o$ e$& On the follo6in) a5# Ma5 99# M$s& 0alu5ut file a .otion to st$i>e out the o$i)inal petition fo$

)ua$ ianship& The .otion 6as alte$nati%el5 labelle as an opposition to the petition& Those .otions 6e$e enie in the lo6e$ cou$t's o$ e$ of ,une 9C# 1HG?& On ,une 1F M$s& Cuesta an M$s& Vi$a5 file a ne6 petition fo$ )ua$ ianship# 6ithout .entionin) thei$ petitions of Ap$il 9F an Ma5 F& M$s& 0alu5ut's counsel clai.s that no filin) fee 6as pai fo$ oc>etin) the petition& On ,ul5 91 the lo6e$ cou$t issue an o$ e$ appointin) Docto$ Lapu+ as co..issione$ to ete$.ine the co.petenc5 of M$s& 0alu5ut at an eBa.ination sche ule on Au)ust 19 at he$ $esi ence an to $epo$t 6hethe$ she shoul be place un e$ )ua$ ianship& On Au)ust 11 M$s& 0alu5ut's counsel .anifeste that she 6as $ea 5 to sub.it to neu$ops5chiat$ic eBa.ination at he$ ne6 o.icile# ?C East Ma5a St$eet# Phil7A. Life !o.es# -ue+on Cit5& On Septe.be$ 9? the lo6e$ cou$t issue the 8uestione o$ e$ ecla$in) M$s& 0alu5ut an inco.petent on the basis of the $epo$t of Docto$ Lapu+& M$s& 0alu5ut 6as fi$st eBa.ine b5 Ma& Pa+ "& *u+.an# a ps5cholo)ist& The latte$ foun that as of Septe.be$ 11 M$s& 0alu5ut 6as Aan inte)$ate 6ell7functionin) in i%i ualA# Aan a6a$e an $esponsi%e in i%i ual 6ho has a .in of he$ o6nA# an Aco.petent enou)h to un e$stan he$ Position $elati%e to the case in%ol%in) he$A& Docto$ Lapu+ foun that M$s& 0alu5ut 6as a6a$e of 6hat the p$esent cou$t case 6as all about3 that M$s& 0alu5ut spontaneousl5 ecla$e that she p$efe$$e to associate 6ith the Espino spouses because the5 t$eate he$ >in l5# an that M$s& 0alu5ut sai that he$ othe$ $elati%es 6e$e p$obabl5 en%ious an esi$e to )et hol of he$ assets& The e%aluations of the ps5cholo)ist an the ps5chiat$ist# 6hich acco$ in) to M$s& 0alu5ut's counsel o not sustain the ecla$ation of inco.petenc5# a$e $ep$o uce belo6I Ps5cholo)ical E%aluation 6 servation and 0ntervie.& 4 Sub;ect ca.e s.a$tl5 $esse in a ;e$se5 )o6n an loo>in) 6ell )$oo.e & She 6as be;e6ele 6ith se%e$al b$acelets on both a$.s# ? $in)s# a nec>lace an 6atch& She appea$e in )oo ph5sical con ition& She 6al>e an seate he$self unassiste & She .o%e about 6ith co.fo$t& She too> the test in epen entl5 eBcept the Pe$sonal Data Sheet 6hich she fille out 6ith the assistance of M$& an M$s& Espino& !e$ testin) beha%io$ 6as positi%e& She follo6e inst$uctions 6ithout 8uestions o$ si)ns of $esistance& She ispla5e app$op$iate affect# :sic< 6as cohe$ent an spontaneousl5 .a e se%e$al $ele%ant $e.a$>s in $elation to the %a$ious test sti.uli p$esente to he$& She 6as f$ien l5 an pleasant# !o6e%e$# she $eacte in i)nantl5 6hen the EBa.ine$ encou$a)e he$ to t$5 he$ best at the tests because the $esult 6oul be p$esente to D$a& Lapu+& She enie ha%in) .et D$a& Lapu+ an .o.enta$il5 $efuse to )o on 6ith the tests sa5in) that she i not ca$e if people thou)ht she 6as c$a+5& She 6as appease an $eassu$e an 6as able to $esu.e 6o$>in) at the tests 6ith he$ full coope$ation& She late$ apolo)i+e to the EBa.ine$ fo$ he$ outbu$sts an fo$ ha%in) ta>en so .uch of the EBa.ine$'s ti.e& -est Results& 4 The 2echsle$ A ult Intelli)ence Scale 5iel e a Pe$fo$.ance Scale I- of F@ 6hich places the Sub;ect's intellectual functionin) at# the Dull No$.al $an)e&

This $ep$esent he$ cu$$ent functionin) an ho6 she co.pa$es 6ith he$ pee$ )$oup& The sub;ect sco$es in icate he$ 6ea>est a$ea to be in %isual .oto$ functionin)& This ete$io$atio$i appea$s to be pu$el5 a function of i.pai$e %ision an $e uce .oto$ic spee ue to he$ a %ance a)e $athe$ than a ps5cho)enicall5 base ep$ession& Si.ila$ i.p$essions 6e$e )athe$e f$o. the 0en e$7*estalt $ep$o uctions of sub;ect& !e$ fi)u$es sho6e inte)$ation an accu$ate pe$ception of the sti.uli althou)h he$ .oto$ic eBp$ession is cha$acte$i+e b5 .il t$e.o$s an poo$ cont$ol of the .o%e.ents of he$ a$. an han & The sub;ect's i..e iate $ecall is i.pai$e & !o6e%e$# he$ lon) te$. .e.o$5 fo$ past e%ents appea$s to be $elati%el5 intact& Specificall5# she faile to $ep$o uce f$o. .e.o$5 a sin)le fi)u$e out of se%e$al she ha p$e%iousl5 copie & !o6e%e$# she coul $ecall an $ecount a con%e$sation that she ca$$ie o$ 6ith he$ co.panion so.e C@ .inutes ea$lie$& The test ata sho6e no si)ns of ps5chosis o$ se%e$e pe$sonalit5 istu$bance& !e$ $esponses to the p$o;ecti%e tests sho6e that he$ pe$ception of sti.uli is %e$5 .uch li>e those of the .a;o$it5& !e$ pe$cepts ten e to be co..on place an o$ ina$5 but accu$ate& The$e 6e$e no bi+a$$e $esponses& She is a6a$e an is in a e8uate touch 6ith $ealit5& Allo6in) fo$ so.e neu$olo)ical ete$io$ation ue to he$ a)e# the sub;ect's co)niti%e an affecti%e functionin) in icates that she is intellectuall5 an e.otionall5 co.petent& She >no6s 6hat she 6ants# an is in cont$ol of he$ %olition& !o6e%e$# althou)h she has a st$on) 6ill an is ete$.ine # she is not often ph5sicall5 able to ca$$5 out he$ esi$es& 5u++ar#I 4 The sub;ect's test ata point up an inte)$ate 6ell7functionin) in i%i ual& She $eaches Dull No$.al li.its on the 2echsle$ A ult Intelli)ence Scale in co.pa$ison to he$ a)e )$oup& She is $ele%ant an in touch 6ith $ealit5& No )$oss patholo)5 is )athe$e f$o. the tests# Rathe$ the $esults sho6 an a6a$e an $esponsi%e in i%i ual 6ho has a .in of he$ o6n& She is co.petent enou)h to un e$stan he$ position $elati%e to the case in%ol%in) he$& Sub.itt e b5I Ma& Pa+ "& e *u+.a n Clinical Ps5chol o)ist Ps5chiat$ic E%aluation PatientI Enca$nacion 0alu5ot

2i o6# GE 5ea$s ol Chil less The patient 6as $efe$$e b5 the ,u%enile an Do.estic Relations Cou$t# -ue+on Cit5# fo$ a ps5chiat$ic e%aluation to help ete$.ine he$ co.petence in han lin) he$ finances& She 6as seen t6ice b5 the un e$si)ne in the latte$'s office at St& Lu>e's !ospital& At each %isit# she 6as acco.panie b5 M$s& ,ose Espino# a $elati%e# but 6as inte$%ie6e alone& She is st5lishl5 $esse an )$oo.e # 6ea$in) .uch ;e6el$5& She coope$ates in a f$ien l5 .anne$ but )$o6s i.patient an i$$itable 6hen the 8uestions ob%iousl5 test he$ capacit5 fo$ intellectual concent$atin) on the iscussion# but on the 6hole# she )a%e $ele%ant an cohe$ent ans6e$s# 6hich ten e to be 8uite b$ief& The$e 6as p$olon)e $eaction ti.e to 8uestions 6hich teste .e.o$5 an o$ientation# in icatin) 8uite clea$l5 that .e.o$5 an o$ientation a$e i.pai$e & She see.e to best $e.e.be$ isc$eet ti bits about the hi)hli)hts of he$ life 6hen he$ late husban 6as at the pea> of his public ca$ee$& !o6e%e$# she cannot inte)$ate such bits of .e.o$5 into a full $ecollection of ho6 he$ life 6as at that ti.e& The sa.e 6as t$ue in $esponse to in8ui$5 about an5 aspect of he$ life& She can )i%e one o$ t6o %e$5 b$ief state.ents but fails to pu$sue fu$the$ the iscussion& The$e is clea$l5 an i.pai$.ent of thou)ht p$ocesses& She is a6a$e ho6e%e$ of 6hat the p$esent cou$t case is all about& She ecla$es 8uite spontaneousl5 that she li>es bein) 6ith the Espino's because she is t$eate >in l5 an thou)ht full5 b5 the.& She .entions othe$ $elati%es 6ho a$e p$obabl5 en%ious an 6ish to )et hol of he$ assets& !e$ pe$sonal histo$5# piece to)ethe$ 6ith info$.ation f$o. M$s& Espino# the 6ife of an a opte son# in icate that she has been a .othe$ to .an5 of he$ late husban 's nieces an nephe6s# 6ho 6e$e sent to school an )i%en a sta$t in life b5 the couple& She has al6a5s been o%e$7conce$ne 6ith .one5 to the point of eccent$icit5 but has a )ene$ous hea$t& Pa.pe$e b5 he$ husban # she has al6a5s en;o5e bein) 6ith f$ien s# sociali+in) an still )oes off to ance session 6ith f$ien s he$ a)e& The eath of he$ husban has ob%iousl5 .a e he$ e%en .o$e epen ent an helpless& In su..a$5# the sub;ect is a GE 5ea$7ol 6o.an in 6ho. the a)ein) p$ocess has $en e$e the intellectual capacit5 sufficientl5 i.pai$e to 6a$$ant a $eco..en ation fo$ >in an consistent )ui ance in the han lin) of he$ affai$s& She 6oul best be helpe b5 people 6ho a$e t$ul5 inte$este in he$ 6elfa$e& 0ein) of a >in an epen ent natu$e he$self# she nee to be loo>e afte$& She 6oul be .o$e confuse an lost if continuousl5 in the cente$ of hostilities& She nee s a si.ple# 6ell7 i$ecte life a.on) >in people 6ho 6ill ten to he$ a57to7 a5 acti%ities& She .a5 be able to )$asp a situation co$$ectl5 an supe$ficiall5 but she 6ill nee help $e)a$ in) etails an .o$e co.pleB p$oce u$es& Ps5cholo)ical testin) :2eschle$ A ult Intelli)ence3 0en e$7*estalt3 Roscha$ch< sho6s functions at the ull no$.al# but othe$6ise inte)$ate an in touch 6ith $ealit5& The test also sho6e i.pai$.ent fo$ $ecent .e.o$5 an in %isual7.oto$ functions&

Lou$ es V& Lapu+# M&D& M$s& 0alu5ut's counsel obse$%e that the lo6e$ cou$t's o$ e$ 6as Aissue in a blit+ .anne$A# 6ithout an5 hea$in) on the ps5chiat$iat's $epo$t# 6ithout )i%in) notice to he$# an 6ithout )i%in) he$ a cop5 of the $epo$t& On Octobe$ = she file a .otion fo$ the $econsi e$ation of the o$ e$ ecla$in) he$ an inco.petent& She calle attention to the fact that in the a .inist$ation p$ocee in) ,u )e Vicente *& E$icta ha ecla$e he$ Aco.petentA in his o$ e$ of Ma$ch 9E# 1HG? an that ,u )e E$nani C$u+ Pano :the successso$ of ,u )e E$icta< in his o$ e$ of No%e.be$ 9G# 1HG? appointe M$s& 0alu5ut as a .inist$at$iB afte$ conclu in) that she 6as co.petent to act as such# consi e$in) the fin in)s of ,u )e E$icta an of the ps5cholo)ist an Docto$ Lapu+& The lo6e$ cou$t ha sche ule a hea$in) on Octobe$ F to ete$.ine 6ho shoul be appointe )ua$ ian of M$s& 0alu5ut& !e$ counsel i not appea$ at the hea$in) .a5 be because of his pen in) .otion fo$ $econsi e$ation& At that hea$in)# M$s& Cuesta# M$s& Vi$a5# he$ husban Att5& Fo$tunato Vi$a5# S$& an Alf$e o *& 0alu5ut testifie upon i$ect eBa.ination b5 Att5& Fo$tunato Vi$a5# ,$& The o$al e%i ence 6as p$esente fo$ the pu$pose of p$o%in) that M$s& Vi$a5 6as co.petent to act as )ua$ ian of he$ siste$# M$s& 0alu5ut& On Octobe$ 9@ the lo6e$ cou$t +otu proprio issue anothe$ o$ e$ ;ustif5in) its p$io$ ecla$ation that M$s& 0alu5ut is an inco.petent& It sche ule the c$oss7eBa.ination of Docto$ Lapu+ on Octobe$ 9E& The hea$in) 6as not hel ue to the in isposition of Docto$ Lapu+& In the .eanti.e# M$s& 0alu5ut file anothe$ .otion to set asi e the ecla$ation of inco.petenc5& On Dece.be$ 1@ the lo6e$ cou$t issue an o$ e$ en5in) M$s& 0alu5ut's .otion fo$ $econsi e$ation& In $ule # that as a socio7le)al cou$t# in 6as ul5 e.po6e$e un e$ section 9H70 of the cha$te$ of -ue+on Cit5 to a%ail itself of the consultati%e se$%ices of ps5chiat$ists# ps5cholo)ists an othe$ 8ualifie specialists :Republic Act No& EFC=# c$eatin) the ,u%enile an Do.estic Relations Cou$t b5 a.en in) Republic Act No& ?CG# the cha$te$ of -ue+on Cit5<& The lo6e$ cou$t fu$the$ hel that the ecla$ation of inco.petenc5 6as inte$locuto$5 an that a p$o.pt $esolution of the issue as to M$s& 0alu5ut's inco.petenc5 6as i.pe$ati%e in %ie6 of the %e$ifie state.ents of he$ t6o siste$s an nephe67in7la6 that .o$e than one .illion pesos ha been A6ith $a6n b5 he$ th$ou)h the .achinations of thi$ pe$sonsA& The instant petition fo$ $e%ie6 6as file on Dece.be$ 9H# 1HG?& In that petition M$s& 0alu5ut's counsel assails fo$ the fi$st ti.e the lo6e$ cou$t's ;u$is iction to ecla$e he$ an inco.petent& She conten s that he$ co.petenc5 is in%ol%e in the a .inist$ation p$ocee in)s pen in) in 0$anch DVIII of the Cou$t of Fi$st Instance of -ue+on cit5 6hich cou$t :not the ,u%enile an Do.estic Relations Cou$t< has ;u$is iction o%e$ the issue as to he$ co.petenc5& She in%o>es section 9H7A of the -ue+on Cit5 cha$te$ 6hich p$o%i es that the ,u%enile an Do.estic Relations Cou$t has eBclusi%e o$i)inal ;u$is iction in )ua$ ianship cases :pa$a)$aph 9<# but 6hich also p$o%i es an eBception in its last sentence 8uote belo6I If an5 8uestion in%ol%in) an5 of the abo%e .atte$s :the se%en classes of cases o%e$ 6hich the cou$t has eBclusi%e o$i)inal ;u$is iction< shoul a$ise as an inci ent in an5 case pen in) in the o$ ina$5 cou$t# sai inci ent shall be ete$.ine in the .ain case&

The issues a$e :1< 6hethe$ the $esolution in the )ua$ ianship p$ocee in) of the 8uestion as to M$s& 0alu5ut's alle)e inco.petenc5 shoul a6ait the a ;u ication in the a .inist$ati%e p$ocee in) :pen in) in the p$obate cou$t< of the issue as to he$ co.petenc5 to act as a .inist$at$iB an :9< 6hethe$ she 6as enie ue p$ocess 6hen the ,u%enile an Do.estic Relations Cou$t su..a$il5 ecla$e he$ an inco.petent ;ust one a5 afte$ it $ecei%e the ps5chiat$ist's $epo$t an befo$e that $epo$t 6as set fo$ hea$in)& Jurisdictional issue. , The lo6e$ cou$t has eBclusi%e o$i)inal ;u$is iction to ente$tain the p$ocee in) fo$ the )ua$ ianship of M$s& 0alu5ut as an alle)e inco.petent& :As to $ulin)s on the o$i)inal eBclusi%e ;u$is iction of ,u%enile an Do.estic Relations Cou$t# see Pe$e+ %s& Tuason e Pe$e+# 1@H Phil& ?E3 In $e An)ela Tuason e Pe$e+# L79F11E# Octobe$ C@# 1HG@# C? SCRA =@F3 Ra5$a5 %s& Chae (5un) Lee# L71F1G=# Octobe$ 9=# 1H==# 1F SCRA E?@3 Pate$no %s& Pate$no# L79C@=@# ,une C@# 1H=G# 9@ SCRA ?F?3 0a$tolo.e %s& 0a$tolo.e# L79C==1# Dece.be$ 9@# 1H=G# 91 SCRA 1C9E3 Eusebio %s& Eusebio# L7CH?F1# Ma$ch C1# 1HG=<& !o6e%e$# as note ea$lie$# M$s& 0alu5ut's co.petenc5 to act as a .inist$at$iB is in issue in Special P$ocee in) No& -71HGHE of the Cou$t of Fi$st Instance of Ri+al# -ue+on cit5 0$anch DVIII& That p$ocee in) 6as institute b5 Alf$e o *& 0alu5ut fo$ the settle.ent of the estate of Sote$o 0alu5ut# the ecease spouse of M$s& 0alu5ut& Alf$e o alle)e in his petition that M$s& 0alu5ut 6as .entall5 incapable of a .iniste$in) the estate& She cha$acte$i+e that alle)ation as libelous& She p$a5e in a counte$7petition that she be appointe a .inist$at$iB& The p$obate cou$t appointe he$ as a .inist$at$iB afte$ fin in) that she 6as sui /uris o$ 6as still in possession of he$ capacidad de o rar o capacidad de e/ercicio. In fact# she 8ualifie as a .inist$at$iB on No%e.be$ 9H# 1HG?& This Cou$t in Balu#ut vs. Judge Pa4o, supra, set asi e that appoint.ent# not because M$s& 0alu5ut 6as an inco.petent but because that a e8uate oppo$tunit5 to be hea$ an to p$esent e%i ence& 2e hol that in consonance 6ith the last sentence of section 9H7A of the cha$te$ of -ue+on Cit5 the )ua$ ianship p$ocee in)s shoul be suspen e an shoul a6ait the a ;u ication a6ait the a ;u ication of the issue as to M$s& 0alu5ut's co.petenc5 to act as a .inist$at$iB& It is t$ue# as obse$%e b5 ,ustices 0a$$e o an Antonio u$in) the elibe$ation on this case# that the inco.petenc5 to act as eBecuto$ o$ a .inist$ato$ cannot be e8uate 6ith the inco.petenc5 that ;ustifies the placin) of a pe$son un e$ )ua$ ianship& F$o. the fact that a pe$son .a5 be inco.petent to act as eBecuto$ o$ a .inist$ato$# it oes not follo6 that he coul be place un e$ )ua$ ianship& 0ut if a pe$son is co.petent to act as eBecuto$ o$ a .inist$ato$# then he is not the inco.petent pe$son en%isa)e in the la6 of )ua$ ianship& Section 9H7A in i%estin) the ,u%enile an Do.estic Relations Cou$t of ;u$is iction o$ autho$it5 to $esol%e 8uestions al$ea 5 in issue as an inci ent in an5 case pen in) in the o$ ina$5 cou$t has a saluta$5 pu$pose& That p$o%ision o$ eBception is esi)ne to ob%iate the $en ition of conflictin) $ulin)s on the sa.e issue b5 the Cou$t of Fi$st Instance an the ,u%enile an Do.estic Relations Cou$t& 0ssue as to alleged denial of t"e process. , As p$e%iousl5 state # the lo6e$ cou$t appointe Docto$ Lapu+ as Aco..issione$ to ete$.ine the co.petenc5A of M$s& 0alu5ut& She 6as i$ecte to

$eco..en 6hethe$ M$s& 0alu5ut nee e a )ua$ ian fo$ he$ pe$son an p$ope$t5& Docto$ Lapu+ too> he$ oath as co..issione$& She $efe$$e M$s& 0alu5ut to M$& Pa+ "& e *u+.an fo$ ps5cholo)ical e%aluation& The ps5cholo)ist foun that M$s& 0alu5ut 6as Aan inte)$ate 6ell7 functionin) in i%i ualA# Aco.petent enou)h to un e$stan he$ position $elati%e to the case in%ol%in) he$A Docto$ Lapu+ inte$%ie6e M$s& 0alu5ut alone Afo$ a ps5chiat$ic e%aluationA& The ps5chiat$ist in he$ $epo$t i not cate)o$icall5 $eco..en that a )ua$ ian be appointe fo$ the pe$son an p$ope$t5 of M$s& 0alu5ut& Docto$ Lapu+ sai that M$s& 0alu5ut nee e A>in an consistent )ui ance in the han lin) of he$ affai$sA an $e8ui$e Ahelp $e)a$ in) etails an .o$e co.pleB p$oce u$esA& :M$s& 0alu5ut's counsel %oluntee$e the hea$sa5 info$.ation that the ps5cholo)ist an ps5chiat$ist 6e$e alle)e l5 su$p$ise that the cou$t ecla$e he$ an inco.petent on the basis of thei$ $epo$ts# consi e$in) that thei$ e%aluations 6e$e fa%o$able to he$& Pa)es 1@ an 9@ of .e.o$an u.<& The lo6e$ cou$t i not notif5 the pa$ties of the filin) of the ps5chiat$ist's $epo$t# i not )i%e the. a chance to $e)iste$ thei$ ob;ections an i not set the $epo$t fo$ hea$in) as $e8ui$e in sections H to 11# Rule CC of the Rules of Cou$t& Instea # on the a5 follo6in) the $eceipt of the $epo$t# the lo6e$ cou$t ecla$e M$s& 0alu5ut an inco.petent 6ithin the .eanin) of Rule H9 of the Rules of Cou$t# 6hich p$o%i es that the 6o$ Ainco.petentA inclu es Ape$sons not bein) of unsoun .in # but b5 $eason of a)e# isease# 6ea> .in # an othe$ si.ila$ causes# cannot# 6ithout outsi e ai # ta>e ca$e of the.sel%es an .ana)e thei$ p$ope$t5# beco.in) the$eb5 an eas5 p$e5 fo$ eceit an eBploitationA :Sec& 9<& The ecla$ation 6as .a e althou)h the )ua$ ianship cou$t ha not eBa.ine the alle)e inco.petent& M$s& 0alu5ut's counsel in a plea in) ate Octobe$ 91# 1HG? calle the )ua$ ianship cou$t's attention to the fact that in the a .inist$ation p$ocee in) ,u )e E$icta ha al$ea 5 foun in his o$ e$ of Ma$ch 9E# 1HG? that she 6as Ahealth5 an .entall5 8ualifie A& That conclusion 6as base on the follo6in) eBa.ination .a e b5 ,u )e E$ictaI CO"RTI 2ill 5ou :a $essin) M$s& 0alu5ut< ta>e the 6itness stan an 6e 6ill fin out if 5ou a$e .entall5 e$an)e as alle)e in the petition :fo$ lette$s of a .inist$ation file b5 Alf$e o *& 0alu5ut<& Inte$p$ete$ :To the 6itness<I - Do 5ou s6ea$ to tell the t$uth an nothin) but the t$uthJ 4 A& 5es# I o& A Please state 5ou$ na.e# a)e# a $ess# ci%il status# an 5ou$ othe$ pe$sonal ci$cu.stancesJ4 A& ENCARNACION LOPES VDA& DE 0AL"'"T# G@ 5ea$s ol # 6i o6# an $esi in) at -ue+on 0oule%a$ # co$ne$ 0ana6e# -ue+on Cit5& Cou$tI Rea 5J Att5& Santia)oI 'es# 'ou$ !ono$& Cou$tI No# I 6ill be the on to as> the 8uestion&&&

Cou$t :to M$s& balu5ut<I 2hen 6e$e 5ou bo$nJ 4 A& Ma$ch 9?# 1H@1& - :b5 Cou$t<I 2he$eJ 4 A& Lin)a5en# Pan)asinan& - 2ho is 5ou$ fathe$J 4 A& ,ose Lope+& - 2ho is 5ou$ .othe$J 4 A& Ca$.en EscaNo& - Di 5ou )o to schoolJ 4 A& 'es# 5ou !ono$& - 2hat is 5ou$ hi)hest e ucational attain.entJ 4 A& I a. a teache$& Att5& SalunatI At this ;unctu$e# 5ou$ !ono$# .a5 6e as> that the 8uestion:s< of the cou$t be t$anslate in the Spanish ialect :lan)ua)e<J Cou$tI She can ans6e$ an un e$stan .5 8uestion in En)lish& Att5& SalunatI She fin s ifficult5# 5ou !ono$& Cou$tI If she fin s ifficult5# a %ise he$ to o so& Att5& SalunatI 'es# 5ou !ono$& Cou$tI All $i)ht# 2hat is 5ou$ hi)hest e ucation attain.entJ 4 E& Lope+ V a& e 0alu5utI I a. a teache$ but I ne%e$ teach& I on't nee to 6o$>& Cou$tI 2hatJ 4 A& I a. a senio$ teache$# 5ou hono$& - Do 5ou ha%e an5 chil $enJ 4 A& I ha one 6ho ie & - Do 5ou ha%e an5 )$an chil $en of that chil of 5ou$s 6ho ie J 4 A& None# si$& !e 6as %e$5 5oun) 6hen he ie & - !o6 o 5ou ea$n 5ou$ li%elihoo J 4 A& F$o. .5 p$ope$ties& - 2he$e a$e 5ou$ p$ope$ties locate J 4 a& The5 a$e in San ,ose# Nue%a Eci;a& - 2he$e elseJ 4 A& In .5 house& - 2he$e is 5ou$ houseJ 4 A& At the co$ne$ of -ue+on 0oule%a$ an 0ana6e# -ue+on Cit5& Cou$tI All $i)ht# I thin> that is enou)h in the .eanti.e& BBB BBB BBB Cou$tI All $i)ht& ORDER

Sub.itte fo$ $esolution is a .otion ate Ma$ch 1H# 1HG?# as>in) fo$ the settin) asi e fo$ the appoint.ent of Alf$e o *& 0alu5ut as special a .inist$ato$ b5 o$ e$ of the cou$t ate Feb$ua$5 9E# 1HG?& This Cou$t 6as .isle in appointin) hi. as special a .inist$ato$ b5 the alle)ation in the petition that the 6i o6 Enca$nacion Lope+ V a& e 0alu5ut is no lon)e$ .entall5 capable of a .inist$ato$ :a .iniste$in)< he$ pe$sonal p$ope$ties& Du$in) the hea$in) of this .otion fo$ $econsi e$ation# the Cou$t place the 6i o6 Enca$nacion Lope+ V a& e 0alu5ut on the 6itness stan an as>e a se$ies of 8uestiones to ete$.ine he$ .ental capacit5& The c$oss7eBa.ination b5 the Cou$t sho6s this 6o.an is health5 an .entall5 8ualifie & In %ie6 he$eof# the Cou$t sets asi e the o$ e$ ate Feb$ua$5 9E# 1HG?# appointin) Alf$e o *& 0alu5ut petitione$ he$e as special a .inist$ato$&&& The lo6e$ cou$t# upon bein) app$ise of the fo$e)oin) conclusion of the p$obate ;u )e# shoul ha%e at least t$ie to ta>e ;u icial notice of 6hat 6as happenin) in the a .inist$ation p$ocee in)& The %oice of p$u ence shoul ha%e cautione the )ua$ ianship cou$t to a%oi the issuance of a ecla$ation cont$actin) the p$obate cou$t's p$onounce.ent on M$s& 0alu5ut's capacit5 to act& As sho6n in Balu#ut vs. Judge Pa4o# supra, ,u )e E$nani C$u+ PaNo# 6ho succee e ,u )e E$icta# confi$.e the latte$'s fin in) in his :,u )e PaNo's< o$ e$ of No%e.be$ 9G# 1HG?& Afte$ inte$$o)atin) M$s& 0alu5ut. he 6as con%ince on he$ suppose inco.petenc5& In this appeal# M$s& 0alu5ut conten s that she 6as enie ue p$ocess of la6 6hen the )ua$ ianship cou$t su..a$il5 announce its %e$ ict on he$ inco.petenc5 not6ithstan in) that he$ la65e$ ha not c$oss7eBa.ine the ps5chiat$ist& 2e hol that M$s& 0alu5ut's contention is tanable& A fin in) that a pe$son is inco.petent shoul be ancho$e on clea$# positi%e an efinite e%i ence :'an)co %s& Cou$t of Fi$st Instance of Manila# 9H Phil& 1FC# 1H@<& That >in of p$oof has not 5et been p$esente to the )ua$ ianship cou$t to ;ustif5 its p$ecipitate conclusion that M$s# 0alu5ut is an inco.petent& !e$e# 6e ha%e the so$$5 spectacle of t6o cou$t of -ue+on Cit5 .a>in) i%e$)ent fin in)s on M$s& 0alu5ut's capacit5 to act :A$t& CG# Ci%il Co e<& 2hat the )ua$ ianship cou$t i :as the sa5in) )oes< 6as to ta>e the secon step befo$e ha%in) ta>en the fi$st step& It ecla$e M$s& 0alu5ut as an inco.petent an then sche ule the c$oss7eBa.ination of the ps5chiat$ist so that the pa$ties coul asce$tain 6hethe$ the ecla$ation of inco.petenc5 is co$$ect o$ not& In the natu$e of thin)s# the )ua$ ianship cou$t shoul ha%e fi$st set fo$ hea$in) the ps5chiat$ist's $epo$t an eBa.ine M$s& 0alu5ut befo$e p$e.atu$el5 a ;u )in) that she is an inco.petent& Its hast5 an p$e.atu$e p$onounce.ent# 6ith its e$o)ato$5 i.plications# 6as not the offsp$in) of fun a.ental fai$ness 6hich is the essence of ue p$ocess& Mo$eo%e$# the lo6e$ cou$t shoul ha%e a he$e st$ictl5 to the p$oce u$e lai o6n in Rule HC of the Rules of Cou$t fo$ appoint.ent of )ua$ ians& Rule HC p$o%i es that afte$ the filin) of the petition# the

cou$t shoul fiB a ti.e an place fo$ hea$in) an )i%e the p$ope$ notices& At the hea$in)# Athe alle)e inco.petent .ust be p$esent if able to atten # an it .ust be sho6n that the $e8ui$e notice has been )i%en& The$eupon# the cou$t shall hea$ the e%i ence of the pa$ties in suppo$t of thei$ $especti%e alle)ationsA :Sec& ?# Rule HC<& In the instant case# the lo6e$ cou$t befo$e hea$in) the e%i ence of the pa$ties# pa$ticula$l5 M$s& 0alu5ut. i..e iatel5 sub;ecte he$ to a ps5chiat$ic eBa.ination& That uno$tho oB p$oce u$e 6as not 6a$$ante & "n oubte l5# the lo6e$ cou$t coul consult a ps5chiat$ist but the no$.al p$oce u$e is to hea$ fi$st the e%i ence of the pa$ties an eBa.ine the p$ospecti%e 6a$ & The testi.on5 of the alle)e inco.petent hi.self has peculia$ co)enc5 in the ete$.ination of 6hethe$ he shoul be place un e$ )ua$ ianship :99 ALR 9n G=9<& 0ssue as to filing and legal researc" fees. , M$s& 0alu5ut's counsel $epeate l5 assets that M$s& Vi$a5 an M$s& Cuesta i not pa5 the co$$espon in) filin) an le)al $esea$ch fees fo$ the oc>etin) of thei$ petition fo$ )ua$ ianship& The co%e$ of the e*pediente of Special P$ocee in) No& -C7@@HCH sho6s that on Ma5 =# 1HG? the su.s of thi$t57t6o pesos an t6o pesos 6e$e pai as oc>et fee an le)al $esea$ch fee un e$ Official Receipts Nos& FHF1F?? an FHF9C@H# $especti%el5& M$s& 0alu5ut's counsel conten s that those pa5.ents co$$espon e to the petition of M$s& Vi$a5 an M$s& Cuesta in Special P$ocee in) No& -C7@@H9? 6hich 6as is.isse & As M$s& 0alu5ut i not as> the lo6e$ cou$t to $esol%e this point s8ua$el5 an as the o$ e$ bein) 8uestione he$ein a$e silent on that .atte$# 6e hol that he lo6e$ cou$t shoul fi$st ete$.ine 6hethe$ the le)al fees fiBe in section ?KeL# Rule 1E1 of the Rules of cou$t 6e$e ul5 pai b5 M$s& Vi$a5 an M$s& Cuesta& 2!EREFORE# the lo6e$ cou$t's o$ e$s of Septe.be$ 9? an Dece.be$ 1@# 1HG? a$e set asi e& The Cou$t a !uo is i$ecte to suspen the )ua$ ianship p$ocee in) an to a6ait the final %e$ ict of the Cou$t of Fi$st Instance of Ri+al# -ue+on Cit5 0$anch DVII of the co.petenc5 of Enca$nacion Lope+ V a& e 0alu5ut to act as eBecutin) o$ a .inist$at$iB of the estate of he$ ecease husban # Sote$o 0alu5ut& Shoul it be finall5 $ule the$ein that M$s& 0alu5ut is co.petent to act as eBecut$iB o$ a .inist$at$iB an shoul the$e be no othe$ supe$%enin) ci$cu.stances that ;ustif5 the continuation of the )ua$ ianship p$ocee in)# then the sa.e shoul be is.isse & The lo6e$ cou$t is fu$the$ i$ecte to ete$.ine 6hethe$ C$isteta Lope+ V a& e Cuesta an *ua alupe Lope+ Vi$a5 pai oc>et an le)al $esea$ch fees fo$ thei$ petition& Costs a)ainst p$i%ate $espon ents& SO ORDERED&

Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT Manila

SECOND DIVISION G.R. No. L-5,438 Jan ar! 3, 1984 'EL"C"$NO 'R$NC"SCO, petitione$# %s& &ON. COURT O' $PPE$LS an% PEL$G"O 'R$NC"SCO, $espon ents& )ico+edes M. Ja/ardo for petitioner. Crescini & &ssociates %a. 6ffice for private respondent.

GUERRERO, J.: This petition fo$ $e%ie6 on ce$tio$a$i see>s the annul.ent of the ecision an $esolution of the efunct Cou$t of Appeals# no6 Inte$.e iate Appellate Cou$t# ate Ap$il 9G# 1HF1& an ,une 9=# 1HF1& $especti%el5# is.issin) the petition fo$ ce$tio$a$i file b5 petitione$ Feliciano F$ancisco oc>ete as CA7*&R& No& 191G9 entitle AFeliciano F$ancisco %e$sus ,u )e ,esus R& De Ve)a an Pela)io F$anciscoA& In the sai petition fo$ ce$tio$a$i# petitione$ Feliciano F$ancisco challen)e the %ali it5 of the O$ e$ of the Cou$t of Fi$st Instance of 0ulacan# Fifth ,u icial Dist$ict# 0$anch II# no6 Re)ional T$ial Cou$t# )$antin) eBecution pen in) appeal of its ecision b5 $elie%in) petitione$ Feliciano F$ancisco as )ua$ ian of inco.petent Estefania San Pe $o an appointin) $espon ent he$ein# Pela)io F$ancisco# in his instea & The antece ent facts as $ecite in the appeale ecision of the Cou$t of Appeals sho6e thatI

Petitione$ is the ul5 appointe )ua$ ian of the inco.petent Estefania San Pe $o in Special P$ocee in)s No& ?C9 of the Cou$t of Fi$st Instance of 0ulacan p$esi e o%e$ b5 $espon ent ,u )e& On Au)ust C@# 1HGE $espon ent Pela)io F$ancisco# clai.in) to be a fi$st cousin of Estefania San Pe $o# to)ethe$ 6ith t6o othe$s# sai to be nieces of the inco.petent# petitione the cou$t fo$ the $e.o%al of petitione$ an fo$ the appoint.ent in his stea of $espon ent Pela)io F$ancisco& A.on) othe$ )$oun s# the petition 6as base on the failu$e of the )ua$ ian to sub.it an in%ento$5 of the estate of his 6a$ an to $en e$ an accountin)& It 6oul see. that petitione$ subse8uentl5 $en e$e an accountin) but faile to sub.it an in%ento$5# fo$ 6hich $eason the cou$t on Ma$ch 9@# 1HG? )a%e petitione$ ten :1@< a5s 6ithin 6hich to o so# othe$6ise he 6oul be $e.o%e f$o. )ua$ ianship Petitione$ the$eafte$ sub.itte an in%ento$5 to 6hich $espon ent Pela)io F$ancisco file an ob;ection on the )$oun that petitione$ actuall5 $ecei%e P1E#@@@&@@ fo$ the sale of a $esi ential lan an not P19#@@@&@@ onl5 as state in the ee of sale an $epo$te b5 hi. in his in%ento$5& The $espon ent ,u )e foun the clai. to be t$ue# an # in his o$ e$ of Ap$il 1G# 1HF@ $elie%e the petitione$ as )ua$ ian& On .otion of petitione$# ho6e%e$# the $espon ent ,u )e $econsi e$e his fin in)# $el5in) on the ee of sale as the best e%i ence of the p$ice pai fo$ the sale of the lan & in his o$ e$ ate Septe.be$ 19# 1HF@# $espon ent ;u )e ac>no6le )e that

his fin in) 6as A$athe$ ha$sh an so.e6hat unfai$ to the sai )ua$ ian&A Ne%e$theless# $espon ent ,u )e o$ e$e the $eti$e.ent of petitione$ on the )$oun of ol a)e& The o$ e$ states in pa$t as follo6sI A&&& consi e$in) the $athe$ a %ance a)e of the p$esent )ua$ ian# this Cou$t is incline an so ec$ees# that he shoul ne%e$theless be# as he is he$eb5# $eti$e to ta>e effect upon the appoint.ent b5 this cou$t an the assu.ption of office of his $eplace.ent# 6ho shall be ta>en f$o. the $eco..en ees of the pa$ties he$ein& Fo$ this pu$pose# the p$esent )ua$ ian is he$eb5 )i%en t6ent5 :9@< a5s f$o. $eceipt of a cop5 of this o$ e$ 6ithin 6hich to sub.it his p$oposal fo$ a $eplace.ent fo$ hi.self an to co..ent on petitione$'s $eco..en ee an the latte$ a li>e pe$io 6ithin 6hich to co..ent on the p$esent )ua$ ian's p$opose substitute# afte$ 6hich the .atte$ 6ill be ee.e sub.itte fo$ $esolution an final action b5 the cou$t& SO ORDERED&A Petitione$ file a .otion fo$ $econsi e$ation# conten in) that he 6as onl5 G9 5ea$s of a)e an still fit to continue 6ith the .ana)e.ent of the estate of his 6a$ as he ha one 6ith +eal fo$ the past t6el%e 5ea$s& In an o$ e$ ate No%e.be$ 1C# 1HF@ the cou$t enie his .otion& Acco$ in)l5# on Dece.be$ 1G# 1HF@# petitiMne$ file a notice of appeal 'f$o. the o$ e$ issue b5 the cou$t on No%e.be$ 1C# 1HF@' an pai the appeal bon & On Feb$ua$5 9# 1HF1 he file the $eco$ on appeal& 1
Mean6hile# on ,anua$5 9G# 1HF1# the cou$t# on .otion of p$i%ate $espon ent# $e8ui$e petitione$ to sub.it 6ithin th$ee a5s his no.ination fo$ )ua$ ian of Estefania San Pe $o as $e8ui$e in its o$ e$ of Septe.be$ 19# 1HF@& In issuin) the o$ e$# the cou$t state that 'an in efinite iscontinuance in office 6oul efeat the intent an pu$pose of the sai o$ e$ of Septe.be$ 19# 1HF@ $elie%in) the p$esent )ua$ ian&

Petitione$'s .otion fo$ $econsi e$ation 6as enie & !ence# this petition& :$efe$$in) to CA7*&R& No& SP7191G<A On Dece.be$ ?# 1HF@# befo$e the appeal 6as pe$fecte # Pela)io F$ancisco file an AO.nibus MotionA 6ith the cou$t a 8uo 6ith the p$a5e$ :1< to $est$ain )ua$ ian f$o. eBe$cisin) office3 :9< o$ e$ )ua$ ian to su$$en e$ to cou$t all p$ope$ties of the 6a$ 3 an :C< appoint ne6 )ua$ ian & Petitione$# on Dece.be$ H# 1HF@ file his opposition to the o.nibus .otion clai.in) that the sa.e 6as p$e.atu$e&3 The t$ial cou$t# ho6e%e$# is$e)a$ e the opposition an $e8ui$e petitione$ on ,anua$5 9G# 1HF1 to sub.it 6ithin th$ee :C< a5s his no.ination fo$ )ua$ ian of Estefania San Pe $o as $e8ui$e in its o$ e$ of Septe.be$ 19# 1HF@# the cou$t hol in) that Aan in efinite continuance in office 6oul efeat the intent an pu$pose of the sai o$ e$ of Septe.be$ 19# 1HF@# $elie%in) the p$esent )ua$ ian&A 4 Petitione$ .o%e fo$ $econsi e$ation of the sai o$ e$# 5 but the t$ial cou$t o%e$$ule the sa.e on Ma$ch E# 1HF1& Subse8uentl5# on Ma$ch 11# 1HF1# 6 the cou$t a !uo appointe $espon ent Pela)io F$ancisco as the ne6 )ua$ ian of the pe$son an p$ope$t5 of the inco.petent Estefania San Pe $o& , On Ma$ch 1C# 1HF1# petitione$ file 6ith the efunct Cou$t of Appeals a petition fo$ ce$tio$a$i challen)in) the %ali it5 of the o$ e$ of the t$ial cou$t )$antin) the eBecution pen in) appeal of its

ecision an appointin) $espon ent Pela)io F$ancisco as the ne6 )ua$ ian espite the fact that $espon ent is fi%e :?< 5ea$s ol e$ than petitione$# oc>ete as CA7*&R& No& 191G9& The Cou$t of Appeals is.isse the petition on Ap$il 9C# 1HF1# the pe$tinent po$tion of its ecision $ea in) as follo6sI The Rules of Cou$t autho$i+es eBecutions pen in) appeal Aupon )oo $easons to be state in a special o$ e$&A :Rule CH# Sec& 9<& In the case at ba$# the $eti$e.ent of petitione$ 6as o$ e$e on the )$oun of ol a)e& 2hen this )$oun is consi e$e in $elation to the ela5 of the petitione$ in the .a>in) of an accountin) an the sub.ission of an in%ento$5# the o$ e$ a.ounts to a fin in) that petitione$# consi e$in) his A$athe$ a %ance a)e#A 6as no lon)e$ capable of .ana)in) the estate of his 6a$ & Rule HG# Sec& 9<& *i%en this fin in)# it is clea$ that petitione$'s continuance in office 6oul not be in the best inte$est of the 6a$ & It is of cou$se t$ue that the o$ e$ of $e.o%al is not 5et final& Consi e$in) the ti.e 7it no$.all5 ta>es fo$ appeals to be finall5 ete$.ine as 6ell as the pu$pose of the o$ e$ un e$ appeal# 6hich 6oul be f$ust$ate if it is not i..e iatel5 eBecute # 6e cannot sa5 that $espon ent acte 6ith )$a%e an i$$epa$able a.a)e an that the o$ e$ of Septe.be$ 19# 1HF@ is not 5et final# petitione$ has not e.onst$ate that in o$ e$in) eBecution pen in) appeal# the $espon ent ,u )e co..itte a )$a%e abuse of isc$etion& In ee # the )$antin) of eBecution pen in) appeal ties 6ithin the soun isc$etion of a cou$t& Appellate cou$ts 6in not inte$fe$e to isc$etion# unless it .o if5 cont$ol o$ in8ui$e into the eBe$cise of this be sho6n that the$e has been an abuse of that isc$etion& :9 Mo$an# Co..ents on the Rules of Cou$t# 9=@ K1HGHL& 2!EREFORE# the petition fo$ ce$tio$a$i is DISMISSED# 6ithout p$onounce.ent as to costs& SO ORDERED& 8 Petitione$ subse8uentl5 file anothe$ .otion fo$ $econsi e$ation a %ancin) the follo6in) a$)u.entsI that to )$ant eBecution pen in) appeal 6oul $en e$ petitione$'s appeal .oot an aca e.ic that Aa %ance a)eA 6as not one of the# )$oun s $aise b5 p$i%ate $espon ent in the cou$t belo63 that the cou$t a !uo abuse its isc$etion in appointin) $espon ent as )ua$ ian espite the fact that p$i%ate $espon ent is fi%e :?< 5ea$s ol e$ than petitione$& 9 The $espon ent appellate cou$t# in its $esolution ate ,une 9=# 1HF1# enie petitione$'s .otion fo$ $econsi e$ation# the cou$t fin in) it unnecessa$5 to $epeat the iscussion of the a$)u.ents 6hich it ha al$ea 5 consi e$e an onl5 ente$taine the a$)u.ent $e)a$ in) the co.petenc5 of the $espon ent as the ne6 )ua$ ian& On this point# $espon ent Cou$t $ule I The o$ e$ of Ma$ch 11# 1HF1 appointin) $espon ent F$ancisco as )ua$ ian 6as ne%e$ assaile in the petition in this case& As al$ea 5 state # this case conce$ns the %ali it5 onl5 of the o$ e$s of ,anua$5 9G# 1HF1 an Ma$ch E# 1HF1 6hich $e8ui$e petitione$ to $eco..en his o6n $eplace.ent# othe$6ise the cou$t 6oul appoint a ne6 )ua$ ian& It oes not appea$ that petitione$ ob;ecte to the appoint.ent of

$espon ent F$ancisco on the )$oun no6 in%o>e # na.el5# that F$ancisco is in fact ol e$ than petitione$& No$ oes it appea$ that petitione$ file a .otion fo$ $econsi e$ation of the o$ e$ of Ma$ch 11# 1HF1# callin) attention to the fact that $espon ent F$ancisco is ol e$ than petitione$# In sho$t# the point no6 $aise oes not appea$ to ha%e been u$)e in the lo6e$ cou$t so that the latte$ coul ha%e $ectifie the e$$o$# if it 6as e$$o$ at all# Fo$ this $eason# it is not p$ope$ )$oun fo$ ce$tio$a$i befo$e this Cou$t# .uch less fo$ a .otion fo$ $econsi e$ation& 2!EREFORE# the .otion fo$ $econsi e$ation is DENIED fo$ lac> of .e$it& SO ORDERED& 10 In the petition at ba$# petitione$ conten s that :a< The !ono$able Cou$t of Appeals has co..itte )$a%e abuse of isc$etion in hol in) that the $e.o%al of petitione$ as )ua$ ian of the 6a$ Estefania San Pe $o on the )$oun of ol a)e is a )oo )$oun fo$ the eBecution of the ecision pen in) appeal3 an :b< The !ono$able Cou$t of Appeals co..itte )$a%e .isapp$ehension an .isinte$p$etation of facts 6hen it ecla$e that petitione$ i not 8uestion the appoint.ent of p$i%ate $espon ent as )ua$ ian in his stea on the )$oun that the latte$ is ol e$ than the fo$.e$ b5 fi%e :?< 5ea$s& A )ua$ ianship is a t$ust $elation of the .ost sac$e cha$acte$# in 6hich one pe$son# calle a A)ua$ ianA acts fo$ anothe$ calle the A6a$ A 6ho. the la6 $e)a$ s as incapable of .ana)in) his o6n affai$s&11 A )ua$ ianship is esi)ne to fu$the$ the 6a$ 's 6ell7bein)# not that of the )ua$ ian# It is inten e to p$ese$%e the 6a$

's p$ope$t5# as 6en as to $en e$ an5 assistance that the 6a$ .a5 pe$sonall5 $e8ui$e& It has been state that 6hile custo 5 in%ol%es i..e iate ca$e an cont$ol# )ua$ ianship in icates not onl5 those $esponsibilities# but those of one in loco pa$entis as 6ell& 1-

!a%in) in .in that )ua$ ianship p$ocee in) is institute fo$ the benefit an 6elfa$e of the 6a$ # the selection of a )ua$ ian .ust# the$efo$e# suit this %e$5 pu$pose& Thus# in ete$.inin) the selection of a )ua$ ian# the cou$t .a5 consi e$ the financial situation# the ph5sical con ition# the soun ;u ).ent# p$u ence an t$ust6o$thiness# the .o$als# cha$acte$ an con uct# an the p$esent an past histo$5 of a p$ospecti%e appointee# as 6en as the p$obabilit5 of his# bein) able to eBe$cise the po6e$s an uties of )ua$ ian fo$ the full pe$io u$in) 6hich )ua$ ianship 6ill be necessa$5& 13 A )ua$ ian is o$ beco.es inco.petent to se$%e the t$ust if he is so is8ualifie b5 .ental incapacit5# con%iction of c$i.e# .o$al elin8uenc5 o$ ph5sical isabilit5 as to be p$e%ente f$o. p$ope$l5 ischa$)in) the uties of his office& 14 A )ua$ ian# once appointe .a5 be $e.o%e in case he beco.es insane o$ othe$6ise
incapable of ischa$)in) his t$ust o$ unsuitable the$efo$# o$ has 6aste o$ .is.ana)e the estate# o$ faile fo$ thi$t5 :C@< a5s afte$ it is ue to $en e$ an account o$ .a>e a $etu$n&15

2e a)$ee 6ith the t$ial cou$t an the appellate cou$t that the$e is nee fo$ petitione$ Feliciano F$ancisco to be $eti$e f$o. the )ua$ ianship o%e$ the pe$son an p$ope$t5 of inco.petent Estefania San Pe $o& The conclusion $eache b5 the t$ial cou$t about the A$athe$ a %ance a)eA of petitione$ at G9 5ea$s ol :petitione$ is no6 G= 5ea$s ol < fin in) hi. unfit to continue the t$ust cannot be istu$be & As co$$ectl5 pointe out b5 the appellate cou$t# this fin s i$ect suppo$t in the ela5 of the accountin) an in%ento$5 .a e b5 petitione$& To sustain petitione$ as )ua$ ian 6oul # the$efo$e# be et$i.ental to the 6a$ & 2hile a)e alone is not a cont$ol c$ite$ion in ete$.inin) a pe$son's fitness o$ 8ualification to be appointe o$ be $etaine as )ua$ ian# it .a5 be a facto$ fo$ consi e$ation& 16

Consi e$in) the ifficult an co.plicate $esponsibilities an uties of a )ua$ ian# 2e sustain the i..e iate $eti$e.ent of petitione$ Feliciano F$ancisco as )ua$ ian# affi$.in) the$eb5 the $ulin)s of both the t$ial cou$t an the appellate cou$t& 2ith $espect to the issue of eBecution pen in) appeal in appointin) $espon ent Pela)io F$ancisco as )ua$ ian to succee petitione$ 6hile the latte$'s appeal 6as still pen in)# 2e hol an $ule that $espon ent appellate cou$t co$$ectl5 sustaine the p$op$iet5 of sai eBecution pen in) appeal& "pon u$)ent an co.pellin) $easons# eBecution pen in) appeal is a .atte$ of soun isc$etion on the pa$t of the t$ial cou$t# 1, an the appellate cou$t 6ill not inte$fe$e# cont$ol o$ in8ui$e into the eBe$cise of this isc$etion# unless the$e has
been an abuse the$eof# 18 6hich 2e fin none he$ein&

Inas.uch as the p$i.a$5 ob;ecti%e fo$ the institution of )ua$ ianship is fo$ the p$otection of the 6a$ # the$e is .o$e than sufficient $eason fo$ the i..e iate eBecution of the lo6e$ cou$t's ;u ).ent fo$ the $eplace.ent of the fi$st )ua$ ian& 2e a)$ee 6ith the $eason )i%en b5 the appellate cou$t in sustainin) eBecution pen in) appeal that Aan in efinite continuance in office 6oul efeat the intent an pu$pose of the o$ e$ of Septe.be$ 19# 1HF@# $elie%in) the p$esent )ua$ ian :Feliciano F$ancisco<&A As to the issue conce$nin) the appoint.ent of $espon ent Pela)io F$ancisco as the ne6 )ua$ ian# 2e li>e6ise a)$ee 6ith the $espon ent appellate cou$t in en5in) in its $esolution of ,une 9=# 1HF1 fo$ lac> of .e$it the .otion fo$ $econsi e$ation file b5 petitione$ 8uestionin) the appoint.ent of p$i%ate $espon ent Pela)io F$ancisco& 2e also fin no abuse of isc$etion co..itte b5 the appellate cou$t& The $ule is 6ell7establishe that appellate cou$ts .a5 not ente$tain issues b$ou)ht befo$e it fo$ the fi$st ti.e on appeal& :,ose Matien+o %s& Ma$tin Se$%i a # 1@G SCRA 9G=3 *a$cian %s& Cou$t of Appeals# 1@9 SCRA ?HG3 Di$ecto$ of Lan s %s& Dano H= SCRA 1=@<& 2!EREFORE# IN VIE2 OF T!E FORE*OIN*# the assaile ecision an $esolution of the $espon ent cou$t ate Ap$il 9G# 1HF1 an ,une 9=# 1HF1# $especti%el5# a$e he$eb5 AFFIRMED& Costs a)ainst petitione$& SO ORDERED& Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT Manila T&"R( ("*"S"ON G.R. No. 151-43 $1r3= 30, -008

LOL"T$ R. $L$M$.R", petitione$# %s& ROMMEL, ELMER, ER<"N, RO"LER an% $M$N($, a== 4 rna60% P$)$LE, $espon ents& (EC"S"ON C&"CO-N$#$R"O, J.5

0efo$e this Cou$t is a Petition fo$ Re%ie6 on Certiorari 1 un e$ Rule E? of the Rules of Cou$t file b5 petitione$ Lolita R& Ala.a5$i :Ala.a5$i< see>in) the $e%e$sal an settin) asi e of the Decision# 9 ate 1@ Ap$il 9@@1# of the Cou$t of Appeals in CA7*&R& CV No& ?F1CC3 as 6ell as the Resolution# C ate 1H Dece.be$ 9@@1 of the sa.e cou$t en5in) $econsi e$ation of its afo$e.entione Decision& The Cou$t of Appeals# in its assaile Decision# uphel the %ali it5 of the Dee of Absolute Sale# ate 9@ Feb$ua$5 1HFE# eBecute b5 Nell5 S& Na%e :Na%e< in fa%o$ of siblin)s Ro..el# El.e$# E$6in# Roile$ an A.an a# all su$na.e Pabale :the Pabale siblin)s< o%e$ a piece of lan :sub;ect p$ope$t5< in Cala.ba# La)una# co%e$e b5 T$ansfe$ Ce$tificate of Title :TCT< No& T7CC1G :9G=@E<3 an # thus# $e%e$se an set asi e the Decision#E ate 9 Dece.be$ 1HHG# of the Re)ional T$ial Cou$t :RTC< of Pasa5 Cit5# 0$anch 11H in Ci%il Case No& =G?7FE7C&? The 9 Dece.be$ 1HHG Decision of the RTC ecla$e null an %oi the t6o sales a)$ee.ents in%ol%in) the sub;ect p$ope$t5 ente$e into b5 Na%e 6ith iffe$ent pa$ties# na.el5# Sesinan o M& Fe$nan o :Fe$nan o< an the Pabale siblin)s3 an o$ e$e the $econ%e5ance of the sub;ect p$ope$t5 to Ala.a5$i# as Na%eTs successo$7in7inte$est& The$e is no cont$o%e$s5 as to the facts that )a%e $ise to the p$esent Petition# ete$.ine b5 the Cou$t of Appeals to be as follo6sI This is a Co.plaint fo$ Specific Pe$fo$.ance 6ith Da.a)es file b5 Sesinan o M& Fe$nan o# $ep$esentin) S&M& Fe$nan o Realt5 Co$po$ation KFe$nan oL on Feb$ua$5 =# 1HFE befo$e the Re)ional T$ial Cou$t of Cala.ba# La)una p$esi e o%e$ b5 ,u )e Sal%a o$ P& e *u+.an# ,$&# oc>ete as Ci%il Case No& =G?7FE7C a)ainst Nell5 S& Na%e KNa%eL# o6ne$ of a pa$cel of lan locate in Cala.ba# La)una co%e$e b5 TCT No& T7CC1G :9G=@E<& KFe$nan oL alle)e that on ,anua$5 C# 1HFE# a han 6$itten AAasunduan 5a Pag i ili"anA :Cont$act to Sell< 6as ente$e into b5 an bet6een hi. an KNa%eL in%ol%in) sai pa$cel of lan & !o6e%e$# KNa%eL $ene)e on thei$ a)$ee.ent 6hen the latte$ $efuse to accept the pa$tial o6n pa5.ent he ten e$e to he$ as p$e%iousl5 a)$ee because she i not 6ant to sell he$ p$ope$t5 to hi. an5.o$e& KFe$nan oL p$a5e that afte$ t$ial on the .e$its# KNa%eL be o$ e$e to eBecute the co$$espon in) Dee of Sale in his fa%o$# an to pa5 atto$ne5Ts fees# liti)ation eBpenses an a.a)es& KNa%eL file a Motion to Dis.iss a%e$$in) that she coul not be o$ e$e to eBecute the co$$espon in) Dee of Sale in fa%o$ of KFe$nan oL base on the follo6in) )$oun sI :1< she 6as not full5 app$ise of the natu$e of the piece of pape$ KFe$nan oL han e to he$ fo$ he$ si)natu$e on ,anua$5 C# 1HFE& 2hen she 6as info$.e that it 6as fo$ the sale of he$ p$ope$t5 in Cala.ba# La)una co%e$e b5 TCT No& T7CC1G :9G=@E<# she i..e iatel5 $etu$ne to KFe$nan oL the sai piece of pape$ an at the sa.e ti.e $epu iatin) the sa.e& !e$ $epu iation 6as fu$the$ bolste$e b5 the fact that 6hen KFe$nan oL ten e$e the pa$tial o6n pa5.ent to he$# she $efuse to $ecei%e the sa.e3 an :9< she al$ea 5 sol the p$ope$t5 in )oo faith to Ro..el# El.e$# E$6in# Rolle$ an A.an a# all su$na.e Pabale Kthe Pabale siblin)sL on Feb$ua$5 9@# 1HFE afte$ the co.plaint 6as file a)ainst he$ but befo$e she $ecei%e a cop5 the$eof& Mo$eo%e$# she alle)e that KFe$nan oL has no cause of action a)ainst he$ as he is suin) fo$ an in behalf of S&M& Fe$nan o Realt5 Co$po$ation 6ho is not a pa$t5 to the alle)e Cont$act to Sell& E%en assu.in) that sai entit5 is the $eal pa$t5 in inte$est# still# KFe$nan oL cannot sue in $ep$esentation of the co$po$ation the$e bein) no e%i ence to sho6 that he 6as ul5 autho$i+e to o so&

Subse8uentl5# Kthe Pabale siblin)sL file a Motion to Inte$%ene alle)in) that the5 a$e no6 the lan o6ne$s of the sub;ect p$ope$t5& Thus# the co.plaint 6as a.en e to inclu e Kthe Pabale siblin)sL as pa$t5 efen ants& In an O$ e$ ate Ap$il 9E# 1HFE# the t$ial cou$t enie KNa%eTsL Motion to Dis.iss p$o.ptin) he$ to file a Manifestation an Motion statin) that she 6as a optin) the alle)ations in he$ Motion to Dis.iss in ans6e$ to KFe$nan oTsL a.en e co.plaint& The$eafte$# KNa%eL file a Motion to A .it he$ A.en e Ans6e$ 6ith Counte$clai. an C$oss7clai. p$a5in) that he$ husban # Att5& Ve asto *es.un o be i.plea e as he$ co7 efen ant# an inclu in) as he$ efense un ue influence an f$au b5 $eason of the fact that she 6as .a e to appea$ as 6i o6 6hen in fact she 6as %e$5 .uch .a$$ie at the ti.e of the t$ansaction in issue& Despite the opposition of KFe$nan oL an Kthe Pabale siblin)sL# the t$ial cou$t a .itte the afo$esai A.en e Ans6e$ 6ith Counte$clai. an C$oss7clai.& Still unsatisfie 6ith he$ efense# KNa%eL an Att5& Ve asto *es.un o file a Motion to A .it Secon A.en e Ans6e$ an A.en e Repl5 an C$oss7clai. a)ainst Kthe Pabale siblin)sL# this ti.e inclu in) the fact of he$ incapacit5 to cont$act fo$ bein) .entall5 eficient base on the ps5cholo)ical e%aluation $epo$t con ucte on Dece.be$ 9# 1HF? b5 D$a& Vi$)inia P& Panlasi)ui# M& A&# a clinical ps5cholo)ist& Fin in) the .otion un.e$ito$ious# the sa.e 6as enie b5 the cou$t a !uo& KNa%eL file a .otion fo$ $econsi e$ation the$eof asse%e$atin) that in C$i.inal Case No& 1C@F7F?7C entitle APeople %s& Nell5 S& Na%eA she $aise the$ein as a efense he$ .ental eficienc5& This bein) a ecisi%e facto$ to ete$.ine once an fo$ all 6hethe$ the cont$act ente$e into b5 KNa%eL 6ith $espect to the sub;ect p$ope$t5 is null an %oi # the Secon A.en e Ans6e$ an A.en e Repl5 an C$oss7clai. a)ainst Kthe Pabale siblin)sL shoul be a .itte & 0efo$e the .otion fo$ $econsi e$ation coul be acte upon# the p$ocee in)s in this case 6as suspen e so.eti.e in 1HFG in %ie6 of the filin) of a Petition fo$ *ua$ ianship of KNa%eL 6ith the Re)ional T$ial Cou$t# 0$anch C= of Cala.ba# La)una# oc>ete as SP No& 1E=7F=7C 6ith Att5& Ve asto *es.un o as the petitione$& On ,une 99# 1HFF# a Decision 6as $en e$e in the sai )ua$ ianship p$ocee in)s# the ispositi%e po$tion of 6hich $ea sI A"n e$ the ci$cu.stances# speciall5 since Nell5 S& Na%e 6ho no6 $esi es 6ith the 0$osas spouses has cate)o$icall5 $efuse to be eBa.ine a)ain at the National Mental !ospital# the Cou$t is const$aine to accept the Neu$o7Ps5chiat$ic E%aluation $epo$t ate Ap$il 1E# 1HF= sub.itte b5 D$a& Nona ,ean Al%iso7Ra.os an the suppo$tin) $epo$t ate Ap$il 9@# 1HFG sub.itte b5 D$& E ua$ o T& Maaba# both of the National Mental !ospital an he$eb5 fin s Nell5 S& Na%e an inco.petent 6ithin the pu$%ie6 of Rule H9 of the Re%ise Rules of Cou$t# a pe$son 6ho# b5 $eason of a)e# isease# 6ea> .in an ete$io$atin) .ental p$ocesses cannot 6ithout outsi e ai ta>e ca$e of he$self an .ana)e he$ p$ope$ties# beco.in) the$eb5 an eas5 p$e5 fo$ eceit an eBploitation# sai con ition ha%in) beco.e se%e$e since the 5ea$ 1HF@& She an he$ estate a$e he$eb5 place un e$ )ua$ ianship& Att5& Leona$ o C& Pane$ is he$eb5 appointe as he$ $e)ula$ )ua$ ian 6ithout nee of bon # until fu$the$ o$ e$s f$o. this Cou$t& "pon his ta>in) his oath of office as $e)ula$ )ua$ ian# Att5& Pane$ is o$ e$e to pa$ticipate acti%el5 in the pen in) cases of Nell5 S& Na%e 6ith the en in

%ie6 of p$otectin) he$ inte$ests f$o. the p$e;u icial sales of he$ $eal p$ope$ties# f$o. the o%e$pa5.ent in the fo$eclosu$e .a e b5 Ms& *il a Men o+a7On)# an in $eco%e$in) he$ lost ;e6el$ies an .onies an othe$ pe$sonal effects& SO ORDERED&A 0oth KFe$nan oL an Kthe Pabale siblin)sL i not appeal the$ef$o.# 6hile the appeal inte$pose b5 spouses ,uliano an E%an)elina 0$osas 6as is.isse b5 this Cou$t fo$ failu$e to pa5 the $e8ui$e oc>etin) fees 6ithin the $e)le.enta$5 pe$io & In the .eanti.e# KNa%eL ie on Dece.be$ H# 1HH9& On Septe.be$ 9@# 1HHC# Att5& Ve asto *es.un o# KNa%eTsL sole hei$# she bein) an o$phan an chil less# eBecute an Affi a%it of Self7A ;u ication pe$tainin) to his inhe$ite p$ope$ties f$o. KNa%eL& On account of such e%elop.ent# a .otion fo$ the is.issal of the instant case an fo$ the issuance of a 6$it of eBecution of the Decision ate ,une 99# 1HFF in SP No& 1E=7F=7C :petition fo$ )ua$ ianship< 6as file b5 Att5& Ve asto *es.un o on Feb$ua$5 1E# 1HH= 6ith the cou$t a !uo& KThe Pabale siblin)sL file thei$ Opposition to the .otion on )$oun s that :1< the5 6e$e not .a e a pa$t5 to the )ua$ ianship p$ocee in)s an thus cannot be boun b5 the Decision the$ein3 an :9< that the %ali it5 of the Dee of Absolute Sale eBecute b5 the late KNa%eL in thei$ fa%o$ 6as ne%e$ $aise in the )ua$ ianship case& The case 6as then set fo$ an annual confe$ence& On ,anua$5 H# 1HHG# Att5& Ve asto *es.un o file a .otion see>in) the cou$tTs pe$.ission fo$ his substitution fo$ the late efen ant Nell5 in the instant case& Not lon) afte$ the pa$ties sub.itte thei$ $especti%e p$e7 t$ial b$iefs# a .otion fo$ substitution 6as file b5 Lolita R& Ala.a5$e : sic< KAla.a5$iL alle)in) that since the sub;ect p$ope$t5 6as sol to he$ b5 Att5& Ve asto *es.un o as e%i ence b5 a Dee of Absolute Sale# she shoul be substitute in his stea & In $efutation# Att5& Ve asto *es.un o file a Manifestation statin) that 6hat he eBecute is a Dee of Donation an not a Dee of Absolute Sale in fa%o$ of KAla.a5$iL an that the sa.e 6as al$ea 5 $e%o>e b5 hi. on Ma$ch ?# 1HHG& Thus# the .otion fo$ substitution shoul be enie & On ,ul5 9H# 1HHG# the cou$t a !uo issue an O$ e$ ecla$in) that it cannot .a>e a $ulin) as to the conflictin) clai.s of KAla.a5$iL an Att5& Ve asto *es.un o& Afte$ the case 6as hea$ on the .e$its# the t$ial cou$t $en e$e its Decision on Dece.be$ 9# 1HHG# the ispositi%e po$tion of 6hich $ea sI A2!EREFORE# ;u ).ent is he$eb5 $en e$e as follo6sI 1& Decla$in) the han 6$itten Cont$act to Sell ate ,anua$5 C# 1HFE eBecute b5 Nell5 S& Na%e an Sesinan o Fe$nan o null an %oi an of no fo$ce an effect3 9& Decla$in) the Dee of Absolute Sale ate Feb$ua$5 9@# 1HFE eBecute b5 Nell5 S& Na%e in fa%o$ of the KPabale siblin)sL si.ila$l5 null an %oi an of no fo$ce an effect3 C& Reco)ni+in) Ms& Lolita P& KAla.a5$iL as the o6ne$ of the p$ope$t5 co%e$e b5 TCT No& 1119EH of the lan $eco$ s of Cala.ba# La)una3

E& O$ e$in) the KPabale siblin)sL to eBecute a t$ansfe$ of title o%e$ the p$ope$t5 in fa%o$ of Ms& Lolita P& KAla.a5$iL in the concept of $econ%e5ance because the sale in thei$ fa%o$ has been ecla$e null an %oi 3 ?& O$ e$in) the KPabale siblin)sL to su$$en e$ possession o%e$ the p$ope$t5 to Ms& KAla.a5$iL an to account fo$ its inco.e f$o. the ti.e the5 too> o%e$ possession to the ti.e the sa.e is tu$ne o%e$ to Ms& Lolita KAla.a5$iL# an the$eafte$ pa5 the sai inco.e to the latte$3 =& O$ e$in) KFe$nan oL an the KPabale siblin)sL# ;ointl5 an se%e$all5# to pa5 Ms& KAla.a5$iLI a& atto$ne5Ts fees in the su. of PC@#@@@&@@3 an b& the costs&= S&M& Fe$nan o Realt5 Co$po$ation# still $ep$esente b5 Fe$nan o# file an appeal 6ith the Cou$t of Appeals# oc>ete as CA7*&R& CV No& ?F1CC# solel5 to 8uestion the po$tion of the 9 Dece.be$ 1HHG Decision of the RTC o$ e$in) hi. an the Pabale siblin)s to ;ointl5 an se%e$all5 pa5 Ala.a5$i the a.ount of PC@#@@@&@@ as atto$ne5Ts fees& The Pabale siblin)s inte$%ene as appellants in CA7*&R& CV No& ?F1CC a%e$$in) that the RTC e$$e in ecla$in) in its 9 Dece.be$ 1HHG Decision that the Dee of Absolute Sale ate 9@ Feb$ua$5 1HFE eBecute b5 Na%e in thei$ fa%o$ 6as null an %oi on the )$oun that Na%e 6as foun inco.petent since the 5ea$ 1HF@& The Cou$t of Appeals# in its Decision# ate 1@ Ap$il 9@@1# )$ante the appeals of S&M& Fe$nan o Realt5 Co$po$ation an the Pabale siblin)s& It $ule thusI 2!EREFORE# p$e.ises consi e$e # the appeal file b5 S& M& Fe$nan o Realt5 Co$po$ation# $ep$esente b5 its P$esi ent# Sesinan o M& Fe$nan o as 6ell as the appeal inte$pose b5 Ro..el# El.e$# E$6in# Rolle$ an A.an a# all su$na.e Pabale# a$e he$eb5 *RANTED& The Decision of the Re)ional T$ial Cou$t of Pasa5 Cit5# 0$anch 11H in Ci%il Case No& =G?7FE7 C is he$eb5 REVERSED an SET ASIDE an a ne6 one $en e$e uphol in) the VALIDIT' of the Dee of Absolute Sale ate Feb$ua$5 9@# 1HFE& No p$onounce.ents as to costs&G Ala.a5$i sou)ht $econsi e$ation of the afo$e78uote Decision of the appellate cou$t# in%o>in) the Decision#F ate 99 ,une 1HFF# of the RTC in the )ua$ ianship p$ocee in)s# oc>ete as SP& PROC& No& 1E=7F=7C# 6hich foun Na%e inco.petent# he$ con ition beco.in) se%e$e since 1HF@3 an thus appointe Att5& Leona$ o C& Pane$ as he$ )ua$ ian& Sai Decision al$ea 5 beca.e final an eBecuto$5 6hen no one appeale the$ef$o.& Ala.a5$i a$)ue that since Na%e 6as al$ea 5 ;u iciall5 ete$.ine to be an inco.petent since 1HF@# then all cont$acts she subse8uentl5 ente$e into shoul be ecla$e null an %oi # inclu in) the Dee of Sale# ate 9@ Feb$ua$5 1HFE# 6hich she eBecute o%e$ the sub;ect p$ope$t5 in fa%o$ of the Pabale siblin)s& Acco$ in) to Ala.a5$i# the Pabale siblin)s shoul be boun b5 the fin in)s of the RTC in its 99 ,une 1HFF Decision in SP& PROC& No& 1E=7F=7C# ha%in) pa$ticipate in the sai )ua$ ianship p$ocee in)s

th$ou)h thei$ fathe$ ,ose Pabale& She pointe out that the RTC eBplicitl5 na.e in its o$ e$s ,ose Pabale as a.on) those p$esent u$in) the hea$in)s hel on C@ Octobe$ 1HFG an 1H No%e.be$ 1HFG in SP& PROC& No& 1E=7F=7C& Ala.a5$i thus file on 91 No%e.be$ 9@@1 a Motion to Sche ule !ea$in) to Ma$> EBhibits in E%i ence so she coul .a$> an sub.it as e%i ence ce$tain ocu.ents to establish that the Pabale siblin)s a$e in ee the chil $en of ,ose Pabale& Att5& *es.un o# Na%eTs su$%i%in) spouse# li>e6ise file his o6n Motion fo$ Reconsi e$ation of the 1@ Ap$il 9@@1 Decision of the Cou$t of Appeals in CA7*&R& CV No& ?F1CC# asse$tin) Na%eTs inco.petence since 1HF@ as foun b5 the RTC in SP& PROC& No& 1E=7F=7C# an his $i)ht to the sub;ect p$ope$t5 as o6ne$ upon Na%eTs eath in acco$ ance 6ith the la6s of succession& It .ust be $e.e.be$e that Att5& *es.un o ispute befo$e the RTC the suppose t$ansfe$ of his $i)hts to the sub;ect p$ope$t5 to Ala.a5$i# but the cou$t a !uo $ef$aine f$o. $ulin) the$eon& In a Resolution# ate 1H Dece.be$ 9@@1# the Cou$t of Appeals enie fo$ lac> of .e$it the Motions fo$ Reconsi e$ation of Ala.a5$i an Att5& *es.un o& !ence# Ala.a5$i co.es befo$e this Cou$t %ia the p$esent Petition fo$ Re%ie6 on Certiorari un e$ Rule E? of the Rules of Cou$t# 6ith the follo6in) assi)n.ent of e$$o$sI I T!E CO"RT OF APPEALS ERRED IN !OLDIN* T!AT T!E FINDIN* T!AT NELL' S& NAVE 2AS INCOMPETENT IN SPECIAL PROCEEDIN* NO& 1E=7F=7C ON ,"NE 99# 1HFF CANNOT RETROACT TO AFFECT T!E VALIDIT' OF T!E DEED OF SALE S!E EDEC"TED ON FE0R"AR' 9@# 1HFE IN FAVOR OF RESPONDENTS PA0ALES& II T!E CO"RT OF APPEALS ERRED IN !OLDIN* T!AT T!E DECISION IN SPECIAL PROCEEDIN* NO& 1E=7F=7C DATED ,"NE 99# 1HFF IS NOT 0INDIN* ON RESPONDENTS PA0ALES& III T!E CO"RT OF APPEALS ERRED IN DEN'IN* PETITIONERTS MOTION TO SC!ED"LE !EARIN* TO MAR( DOC"MENTAR' ED!I0ITS IN EVIDENCE TO ESTA0LIS! T!E IDENTIT' OF ,OSE PA0ALE AS T!E FAT!ER OF RESPONDENTS PA0ALES&H It is Ala.a5$iTs position that )i%en the final an eBecuto$5 Decision# ate 99 ,une 1HFF# of the RTC in SP& PROC& No& 1E=7F=7C fin in) Na%e inco.petent since 1HF@# then the sa.e fact .a5 no lon)e$ be $e7liti)ate in Ci%il Case No& =G?7FE7C# base on the oct$ine of res /udicata# .o$e pa$ticula$l5# the $ule on conclusi%eness of ;u ).ent& This Cou$t is not pe$sua e & Res /udicata lite$all5 .eans Aa .atte$ a ;u )e 3 a thin) ;u iciall5 acte upon o$ eci e 3 a thin) o$ .atte$ settle b5 ;u ).ent&A Res /udicata la5s the $ule that an eBistin) final ;u ).ent o$ ec$ee $en e$e on the .e$its# an 6ithout f$au o$ collusion# b5 a cou$t of co.petent ;u$is iction# upon an5 .atte$ 6ithin its ;u$is iction# is conclusi%e of the $i)hts of the pa$ties o$ thei$ p$i%ies# in all othe$

actions o$ suits in the sa.e o$ an5 othe$ ;u icial t$ibunal of concu$$ent ;u$is iction on the points an .atte$s in issue in the fi$st suit&1@ It is espouse in the Rules of Cou$t# un e$ pa$a)$aphs :b< an :c< of Section EG# Rule CH# 6hich $ea I SEC& EG& Effect of ;u ).ents o$ final o$ e$s& U The effect of a ;u ).ent o$ final o$ e$ $en e$e b5 a cou$t of the Philippines# ha%in) ;u$is iction to p$onounce the ;u ).ent o$ final o$ e$# .a5 be as follo6sI BBBB :b< In othe$ cases# the ;u ).ent o$ final o$ e$ is# 6ith $espect to the .atte$ i$ectl5 a ;u )e o$ as to an5 othe$ .atte$ that coul ha%e been $aise in $elation the$eto# conclusi%e bet6een the pa$ties an thei$ successo$s in inte$est b5 title subse8uent to the co..ence.ent of the action o$ special p$ocee in)# liti)atin) the sa.e thin) an un e$ the sa.e title an in the sa.e capacit53 an :c< In an5 othe$ liti)ation bet6een the sa.e pa$ties o$ thei$ successo$s in inte$est# that onl5 is ee.e to ha%e been a ;u )e in a fo$.e$ ;u ).ent o$ final o$ e$ 6hich appea$s upon its face to ha%e been so a ;u )e # o$ 6hich 6as actuall5 an necessa$il5 inclu e the$ein o$ necessa$5 the$eto& The oct$ine of res /udicata thus la5s o6n t6o .ain $ules 6hich .a5 be state as follo6sI :1< The ;u ).ent o$ ec$ee of a cou$t of co.petent ;u$is iction on the .e$its conclu es the pa$ties an thei$ p$i%ies to the liti)ation an constitutes a ba$ to a ne6 action o$ suit in%ol%in) the sa.e cause of action eithe$ befo$e the sa.e o$ an5 othe$ t$ibunal3 an :9< An5 $i)ht# fact# o$ .atte$ in issue i$ectl5 a ;u icate o$ necessa$il5 in%ol%e in the ete$.ination of an action befo$e a co.petent cou$t in 6hich a ;u ).ent o$ ec$ee is $en e$e on the .e$its is conclusi%el5 settle b5 the ;u ).ent the$ein an cannot a)ain be liti)ate bet6een the pa$ties an thei$ p$i%ies 6hethe$ o$ not the clai.s o$ e.an s# pu$poses# o$ sub;ect .atte$s of the t6o suits a$e the sa.e& These t6o .ain $ules .a$> the istinction bet6een the p$inciples )o%e$nin) the t6o t5pical cases in 6hich a ;u ).ent .a5 ope$ate as e%i ence&11In spea>in) of these cases# the fi$st )ene$al $ule abo%e state # an 6hich co$$espon s to the afo$e78uote pa$a)$aph :b< of Section EG# Rule CH of the Rules of Cou$t# is $efe$$e to as Aba$ b5 fo$.e$ ;u ).entA3 6hile the secon )ene$al $ule# 6hich is e.bo ie in pa$a)$aph :c< of the sa.e section an $ule# is >no6n as Aconclusi%eness of ;u ).ent&A The Resolution of this Cou$t in Calalang v. Register of Deeds p$o%i es the follo6in) enli)htenin) iscou$se on conclusi%eness of ;u ).entI The oct$ine res /udicata actuall5 e.b$aces t6o iffe$ent conceptsI :1< ba$ b5 fo$.e$ ;u ).ent an :b< conclusi%eness of ;u ).ent& The secon concept 4 conclusi%eness of ;u ).ent 4 states that a fact o$ 8uestion 6hich 6as in issue in a fo$.e$ suit an 6as the$e ;u iciall5 passe upon an ete$.ine b5 a cou$t of co.petent ;u$is iction# is conclusi%el5 settle b5 the ;u ).ent the$ein as fa$ as the pa$ties to that action an pe$sons in p$i%it5 6ith the. a$e conce$ne an cannot be a)ain liti)ate in an5 futu$e action bet6een such pa$ties o$ thei$ p$i%ies# in the sa.e cou$t o$ an5 othe$ cou$t of concu$$ent ;u$is iction on eithe$ the sa.e o$ iffe$ent cause of action# 6hile the ;u ).ent

$e.ains un$e%e$se b5 p$ope$ autho$it5& It has been hel that in o$ e$ that a ;u ).ent in one action can be conclusi%e as to a pa$ticula$ .atte$ in anothe$ action bet6een the sa.e pa$ties o$ thei$ p$i%ies# it is essential that the issue be i entical& If a pa$ticula$ point o$ 8uestion is in issue in the secon action# an the ;u ).ent 6ill epen on the ete$.ination of that pa$ticula$ point o$ 8uestion# a fo$.e$ ;u ).ent bet6een the sa.e pa$ties o$ thei$ p$i%ies 6ill be final an conclusi%e in the secon if that sa.e point o$ 8uestion 6as in issue an a ;u icate in the fi$st suit :)a us vs. Court of &ppeals# 1HC SCRA GC9 K1HH1L<& I entit5 of cause of action is not $e8ui$e but .e$el5 i entit5 of issues& ,ustice Feliciano# in 5+it" Bell & Co+pan# ?P"ils.@, 0nc. vs. Court of &ppeals :1HG SCRA 9@1# 91@ K1HH1L<# $eite$ate %opez vs. Re#es :G= SCRA 1GH K1HGGL< in $e)a$ to the istinction bet6een ba$ b5 fo$.e$ ;u ).ent 6hich ba$s the p$osecution of a secon action upon the sa.e clai.# e.an # o$ cause of action# an conclusi%eness of ;u ).ent 6hich ba$s the $eliti)ation of pa$ticula$ facts o$ issues in anothe$ liti)ation bet6een the sa.e pa$ties on a iffe$ent clai. o$ cause of action& The )ene$al $ule p$eclu in) the $eliti)ation of .ate$ial facts o$ 8uestions 6hich 6e$e in issue an a ;u icate in fo$.e$ action a$e co..onl5 applie to all .atte$s essentiall5 connecte 6ith the sub;ect .atte$ of the liti)ation& Thus# it eBten s to 8uestions necessa$il5 i.plie in the final ;u ).ent# althou)h no specific fin in) .a5 ha%e been .a e in $efe$ence the$eto an althou)h such .atte$s 6e$e i$ectl5 $efe$$e to in the plea in)s an 6e$e not actuall5 o$ fo$.all5 p$esente & "n e$ this $ule# if the $eco$ of the fo$.e$ t$ial sho6s that the ;u ).ent coul not ha%e been $en e$e 6ithout eci in) the pa$ticula$ .atte$# it 6ill be consi e$e as ha%in) settle that .atte$ as to all futu$e actions bet6een the pa$ties an if a ;u ).ent necessa$il5 p$esupposes ce$tain p$e.ises# the5 a$e as conclusi%e as the ;u ).ent itself& 19 Anothe$ case# 6ropeza Mar3eting Corporation v. &llied Ban3ing Corporation # fu$the$ iffe$entiate bet6een the t6o $ules of res /udicata# as follo6sI The$e is B>ar >! 1r3or C %860n2B 6hen# as bet6een the fi$st case 6he$e the ;u ).ent 6as $en e$e an the secon case that is sou)ht to be ba$$e # 2h0r0 34 3%0n232! o7 1ar2304, 4 >C0c2 6a220r, an% ca 404 o7 ac23on& In this instance# the ;u ).ent in the fi$st case constitutes an absolute ba$ to the secon action& Othe$6ise put# the ;u ).ent o$ ec$ee of the cou$t of co.petent ;u$is iction on the .e$its conclu es the liti)ation bet6een the pa$ties# as 6ell as thei$ p$i%ies# an constitutes a ba$ to a ne6 action o$ suit in%ol%in) the sa.e cause of action befo$e the sa.e o$ othe$ t$ibunal& 0ut 6he$e 2h0r0 34 3%0n232! o7 1ar2304 in the fi$st an secon cases# > 2 no 3%0n232! o7 ca 404 o7 ac23on# the fi$st ;u ).ent is conclusi%e onl5 as to those .atte$s actuall5 an i$ectl5 cont$o%e$te an ete$.ine an not as to .atte$s .e$el5 in%ol%e the$ein& This is the concept of res /udicata >no6n asBconc= 43:0n044 o7 C %860n2.B State iffe$entl5# an5 $i)ht# fact# o$ .atte$ in issue i$ectl5 a ;u icate o$ necessa$il5 in%ol%e in the ete$.ination of an action befo$e a co.petent cou$t in 6hich ;u ).ent is $en e$e on the .e$its is conclusi%el5 settle b5 the ;u ).ent the$ein an cannot a)ain be liti)ate bet6een the pa$ties an thei$ p$i%ies 6hethe$ o$ not the clai.# e.an # pu$pose# o$ sub;ect .atte$ of the t6o actions is the sa.e&1C

In su.# conclusi%eness of ;u ).ent ba$s the $e7liti)ation in a secon case of a fact o$ 8uestion al$ea 5 settle in a p$e%ious case& The secon case# ho6e%e$# .a5 still p$ocee p$o%i e that it 6ill no lon)e$ touch on the sa.e fact o$ 8uestion a ;u )e in the fi$st case& Conclusi%eness of ;u ).ent $e8ui$es onl5 the i entit5 of issues an pa$ties# but not of causes of action& Cont$a$5 to Ala.a5$iTs asse$tion# conclusi%eness of ;u ).ent has no application to the instant Petition since the$e is no i entit5 of pa$ties an issues bet6een SP& PROC& No& 1E=7F=7C an Ci%il Case No& =G?7FE7C& No identity of parties SP& PROC& No& 1E=7F=7C 6as a petition file 6ith the RTC b5 Att5& *es.un o fo$ the appoint.ent of a )ua$ ian o%e$ the pe$son an estate of his late 6ife Na%e alle)in) he$ inco.petence& A )ua$ ian .a5 be appointe b5 the RTC o%e$ the pe$son an estate of a .ino$ o$ an inco.petent# the latte$ bein) esc$ibe as a pe$son Asuffe$in) the penalt5 of ci%il inte$ iction o$ 6ho a$e hospitali+e lepe$s# p$o i)als# eaf an u.b 6ho a$e unable to $ea an 6$ite# those 6ho a$e of unsoun .in # e%en thou)h the5 ha%e luci inte$%als# an pe$sons not bein) of unsoun .in # but b5 $eason of a)e# isease# 6ea> .in # an othe$ si.ila$ causes# cannot# 6ithout outsi e ai # ta>e ca$e of the.sel%es an .ana)e thei$ p$ope$t5# beco.in) the$eb5 an eas5 p$e5 fo$ eceit an eBploitation&A1E Rule HC of the Rules of Cou$t )o%e$ns the p$ocee in)s fo$ the appoint.ent of a )ua$ ian# to 6itI R =0 93 $PPO"NTMENT O' GU$R("$NS SECT"ON 1. 2"o +a# petition for appoint+ent of guardian for resident. U An5 $elati%e# f$ien # o$ othe$ pe$son on behalf of a $esi ent .ino$ o$ inco.petent 6ho has no pa$ent o$ la6ful )ua$ ian# o$ the .ino$ hi.self if fou$teen 5ea$s of a)e o$ o%e$# .a5 petition the cou$t ha%in) ;u$is iction fo$ the appoint.ent of a )ene$al )ua$ ian fo$ the pe$son o$ estate# o$ both# of such .ino$ o$ inco.petent& An office$ of the Fe e$al A .inist$ation of the "nite States in the Philippines .a5 also file a petition in fa%o$ of a 6a$ the$eof# an the Di$ecto$ of !ealth# in fa%o$ of an insane pe$son 6ho shoul be hospitali+e # o$ in fa%o$ of an isolate lepe$& SEC. -. Contents of petition. U A petition fo$ the appoint.ent of a )ene$al )ua$ ian .ust sho6# so fa$ as >no6n to the petitione$I :a< The ;u$is ictional facts3 :b< The .ino$it5 o$ inco.petenc5 $en e$in) the appoint.ent necessa$5 o$ con%enient3 :c< The na.es# a)es# an $esi ences of the $elati%es of the .ino$ o$ inco.petent# an of the pe$sons ha%in) hi. in thei$ ca$e3 : < The p$obable %alue an cha$acte$ of his estate3

:e< The na.e of the pe$son fo$ 6ho. lette$s of )ua$ ianship a$e p$a5e & The petition shall be %e$ifie 3 but no efect in the petition o$ %e$ification shall $en e$ %oi the issuance of lette$s of )ua$ ianship& SEC. 3. Court to set ti+e for "earing. )otice t"ereof. U 2hen a petition fo$ the appoint.ent of a )ene$al )ua$ ian is file # the cou$t shall fiB a ti.e an place fo$ hea$in) the sa.e# an shall cause $easonable notice the$eof to be )i%en to the pe$sons .entione in the petition $esi in) in the p$o%ince# inclu in) the .ino$ if abo%e 1E 5ea$s of a)e o$ the inco.petent hi.self# an .a5 i$ect othe$ )ene$al o$ special notice the$eof to be )i%en& SEC. 4. 6pposition to petition& U An5 inte$este pe$son .a5# b5 filin) a 6$itten opposition# contest the petition on the )$oun of .a;o$it5 of the alle)e .ino$# co.petenc5 of the alle)e inco.petent# o$ the unsuitabilit5 of the pe$son fo$ 6ho. lette$s a$e p$a5e # an .a5 p$a5 that the petition be is.isse # o$ that lette$s of )ua$ ianship issue to hi.self# o$ to an5 suitable pe$son na.e in the opposition& SEC. 5. 7earing and order for letters to issue. U At the hea$in) of the petition the alle)e inco.petent .ust be p$esent if able to atten # an it .ust be sho6n that the $e8ui$e notice has been )i%en& The$eupon the cou$t shall hea$ the e%i ence of the pa$ties in suppo$t of thei$ $especti%e alle)ations# an # if the pe$son in 8uestion is a .ino$ o$ inco.petent it shall appoint a suitable )ua$ ian of his pe$son o$ estate# o$ both# 6ith the po6e$s an uties he$einafte$ specifie & BBBB SEC. 8. 5ervice of /udg+ent& U Final o$ e$s o$ ;u ).ents un e$ this $ule shall be se$%e upon the ci%il $e)ist$a$ of the .unicipalit5 o$ cit5 6he$e the .ino$ o$ inco.petent pe$son $esi es o$ 6he$e his p$ope$t5 o$ pa$t the$eof is situate & A petition fo$ appoint.ent of a )ua$ ian is a special p$ocee in)# 6ithout the usual pa$ties# i.e.# petitione$ %e$sus $espon ent# in an o$ ina$5 ci%il case& Acco$ in)l5# SP& PROC& No& 1E=7F=7C bea$s the titleI 0n reB (uardians"ip of )ell# 5. )ave for 0nco+petenc#, Verdasto (es+undo # Bana#o, petitioner# 6ith no na.e $espon entMs& Sections 9 an C of Rule HC of the Rules of Cou$t# thou)h# $e8ui$e that the petition contain the na.es# a)es# an $esi ences of $elati%es of the suppose .ino$ o$ inco.petent an those ha%in) hi. in thei$ ca$e# so that those $esi in) 6ithin the sa.e p$o%ince as the .ino$ o$ inco.petent can be notifie of the ti.e an place of the hea$in) on the petition& The ob;ecti%es of an RTC hea$in) a petition fo$ appoint.ent of a )ua$ ian un e$ Rule HC of the Rules of Cou$t is to ete$.ine# first# 6hethe$ a pe$son is in ee a .ino$ o$ an inco.petent 6ho has no capacit5 to ca$e fo$ hi.self an Mo$ his p$ope$ties3 an # second# 6ho is .ost 8ualifie to be appointe as his )ua$ ian& The $ules $easonabl5 assu.e that the people 6ho best coul help the t$ial cou$t settle such issues 6oul be those 6ho a$e closest to an .ost fa.ilia$ 6ith the suppose .ino$ o$ inco.petent# na.el5# his $elati%es li%in) 6ithin the sa.e p$o%ince an Mo$ the pe$sons ca$in) fo$ hi.&

It is si)nificant to note that the $ules o not necessitate that c$e ito$s of the .ino$ o$ inco.petent be li>e6ise i entifie an notifie & The $eason is si.pleI because thei$ p$esence is not essential to the p$ocee in)s fo$ appoint.ent of a )ua$ ian& It is al.ost a )i%en# an un e$stan abl5 so# that the5 6ill onl5 insist that the suppose .ino$ o$ inco.petent is actuall5 capacitate to ente$ into cont$acts# so as to p$ese$%e the %ali it5 of sai cont$acts an >eep the suppose .ino$ o$ inco.petent obli)ate to co.pl5 the$e6ith& !ence# it cannot be p$esu.e that the Pabale siblin)s 6e$e )i%en notice an actuall5 too> pa$t in SP& PROC& No& 1E=7F=7C& The5 a$e not Na%eTs $elati%es# no$ a$e the5 the ones ca$in) fo$ he$& Althou)h the $ules allo6 the RTC to i$ect the )i%in) of othe$ )ene$al o$ special notices of the hea$in)s on the petition fo$ appoint.ent of a )ua$ ian# it 6as not establishe that the RTC actuall5 i so in SP& PROC& No& 1E=7F=7C& Ala.a5$iTs alle)ation that the Pabale siblin)s pa$ticipate in SP& PROC& No& 1E=7F=7C $ests on t6o O$ e$s# ate C@ Octobe$ 1HFG1? an 1H No%e.be$ 1HFG#1= issue b5 the RTC in SP& PROC& No& 1E=7F=7C# eBp$essl5 .entionin) the p$esence of a ,ose Pabale# 6ho 6as suppose l5 the fathe$ of the Pabale siblin)s# u$in) the hea$in)s hel on the sa.e ates& !o6e%e$# the sai O$ e$s b5 the.sel%es cannot confi$. that ,ose Pabale 6as in ee the fathe$ of the Pabale siblin)s an that he 6as autho$i+e b5 his chil $en to appea$ in the sai hea$in)s on thei$ behalf& Ala.a5$i ec$ies that she 6as not allo6e b5 the Cou$t of Appeals to sub.it an .a$> a e%i ence to p$o%e that ,ose Pabale 6as the fathe$ of the Pabale siblin)s& itional

It is t$ue that the Cou$t of Appeals has the po6e$ to t$5 cases an con uct hea$in)s# $ecei%e e%i ence an pe$fo$. an5 an all acts necessa$5 to $esol%e factual issues $aise in cases fallin) 6ithin its o$i)inal an appellate ;u$is iction# inclu in) the po6e$ to )$ant an con uct ne6 t$ials o$ fu$the$ p$ocee in)s& In )ene$al# ho6e%e$# the Cou$t of Appeals con ucts hea$in)s an $ecei%es e%i ence 1r3or to the sub.ission of the case fo$ ;u ).ent&1G It .ust be pointe out that# in this case# Ala.a5$i file he$ Motion to Sche ule !ea$in) to Ma$> EBhibits in E%i ence on -1 No:06>0r -001& She thus sou)ht to sub.it a itional e%i ence as to the i entit5 of ,ose Pabale# not onl5 afte$ CA7 *&R& CV No& ?F1CC ha been sub.itte fo$ ;u ).ent# but a720r the Cou$t of Appeals ha al$ea 5 p$o.ul)ate its Decision in sai case on 10 $1r3= -001& The pa$ties .ust ili)entl5 an conscientiousl5 p$esent all a$)u.ents an a%ailable e%i ences in suppo$t of thei$ $especti%e positions to the cou$t befo$e the case is ee.e sub.itte fo$ ;u ).ent& Onl5 un e$ eBceptional ci$cu.stances .a5 the cou$t $ecei%e ne6 e%i ence afte$ ha%in) $en e$e ;u ).ent31F othe$6ise# its ;u ).ent .a5 ne%e$ attain finalit5 since the pa$ties .a5 continuall5 $efute the fin in)s the$ein 6ith fu$the$ e%i ence& Ala.a5$i faile to p$o%i e an5 eBplanation 6h5 she i not p$esent he$ e%i ence ea$lie$& Me$el5 in%o>in) that the en s of ;ustice 6oul ha%e been best se$%e if she 6as allo6e to p$esent a itional e%i ence is not sufficient to ;ustif5 e%iation f$o. the )ene$al $ules of p$oce u$e& Obe ience to the $e8ui$e.ents of p$oce u$al $ules is nee e if the pa$ties a$e to eBpect fai$ $esults the$ef$o.# an utte$ is$e)a$ of the $ules cannot ;ustl5 be $ationali+e b5 ha$>in) on the polic5 of libe$al const$uction&1H P$oce u$al $ules a$e tools esi)ne to facilitate the a ;u ication of cases& Cou$ts an liti)ants ali>e a$e thus en;oine to abi e st$ictl5 b5 the $ules& An 6hile the Cou$t# in so.e instances# allo6s a $elaBation in the application of the $ules# this# 6e st$ess# 6as ne%e$ inten e to fo$)e a bastion fo$ e$$in) liti)ants to %iolate the $ules 6ith i.punit5& The libe$alit5 in the inte$p$etation an application of the $ules applies onl5 to p$ope$ cases an un e$ ;ustifiable causes an ci$cu.stances& 2hile it is t$ue that liti)ation is not a )a.e of technicalities# it is e8uall5

t$ue that e%e$5 case .ust be p$osecute in acco$ ance 6ith the p$esc$ibe p$oce u$e to insu$e an o$ e$l5 an spee 5 a .inist$ation of ;ustice&9@ Mo$eo%e$# cont$a$5 to Ala.a5$iTs asse$tion# the Cou$t of Appeals i not en5 he$ Motion to Sche ule !ea$in) to Ma$> EBhibits in E%i ence .e$el5 fo$ bein) late& In its Resolution# ate 1H Dece.be$ 9@@1# the Cou$t of Appeals also enie the sai .otion on the follo6in) )$oun sI 2hile it is no6 alle)e # fo$ the fi$st ti.e# that the Khe$ein $espon ents Pabale siblin)sL pa$ticipate in the )ua$ ianship p$ocee in)s consi e$in) that the ,ose Pabale .entione the$ein is thei$ late fathe$# Khe$ein petitione$ Ala.a5$iL sub.ittin) he$ein ocu.enta$5 e%i ence to p$o%e thei$ filiation# e%en thou)h a .itte in e%i ence at this late sta)e# cannot bin Kthe Pabale siblin)sL as %e$il5# notice to thei$ fathe$ is not notice to the. the$e bein) no alle)ation to the effect that he $ep$esente the. befo$e the Cala.ba Cou$t& 91 As the appellate cou$t $easone # e%en if the e%i ence Ala.a5$i 6ante to sub.it o p$o%e that the ,ose Pabale 6ho atten e the RTC hea$in)s on C@ Octobe$ 1HFG an 1H No%e.be$ 1HFG in SP& PROC& No& 1E=7F=7C 6as the fathe$ of the Pabale siblin)s# the5 6oul still not confi$. his autho$it5 to $ep$esent his chil $en in the sai p$ocee in)s& 2o$th st$essin) is the fact that ,ose Pabale 6as not at all a pa$t5 to the Dee of Sale ate 9@ Feb$ua$5 1HFE o%e$ the sub;ect p$ope$t5# 6hich 6as eBecute b5 Na%e in fa%o$ of the Pabale siblin)s& 2ithout p$ope$ autho$it5# ,ose PabaleTs p$esence at the hea$in)s in SP& PROC& No& 1E=7F=7C shoul not bin his chil $en to the outco.e of sai p$ocee in)s o$ affect thei$ $i)ht to the sub;ect p$ope$t5& Since it 6as not establishe that the Pabale siblin)s pa$ticipate in SP& PROC& No& 1E=7F=7C# then an5 fin in) the$ein shoul not bin the. in Ci%il Case No& =G?7FE7C& No identity of issues Neithe$ is the$e i entit5 of issues bet6een SP& PROC& No& 1E=7F=7C an Ci%il Case No& =G?7FE7C that .a5 ba$ the latte$# b5 conclusi%eness of ;u ).ent# f$o. $ulin) on Na%eTs co.petenc5 in 1HFE# 6hen she eBecute the Dee of Sale o%e$ the sub;ect p$ope$t5 in fa%o$ the Pabale siblin)s& In SP& PROC& No& 1E=7F=7C# the .ain issue 6as 6hethe$ Na%e 6as inco.petent at the ti.e of filin) of the petition 6ith the RTC in 1HF=# thus# $e8ui$in) the appoint.ent of a )ua$ ian o%e$ he$ pe$son an estate& In the c$oss7clai. of Na%e an Att5& *es.un o a)ainst the Pabale siblin)s in Ci%il Case No& =G?7FE7 C# the issue 6as 6hethe$ Na%e 6as an inco.petent 6hen she eBecute a Dee of Sale of the sub;ect p$ope$t5 in fa%o$ of the Pabale siblin)s on 9@ Feb$ua$5 1HFE# hence# $en e$in) the sai sale %oi & 2hile both cases in%ol%e a ete$.ination of Na%eTs inco.petenc5# it .ust be establishe at t6o sepa$ate ti.es# one in 1HFE an the othe$ in 1HF=& A fin in) that she 6as inco.petent in 1HF= oes not auto.aticall5 .ean that she 6as so in 1HFE& In Carillo v. Jao/oco#99 the Cou$t $ule that espite the fact that the selle$ 6as ecla$e .entall5 incapacitate b5 the t$ial cou$t onl5 nine a5s afte$ the eBecution of the cont$act of sale# it oes not p$o%e that she 6as so 6hen she eBecute the cont$act& !ence# the si)nificance of the t6o75ea$ )ap he$ein cannot be )ainsai since Na%eTs .ental con ition in 1HF= .a5 %astl5 iffe$ f$o. that of 1HFE )i%en the inte$%enin) pe$io &

Capacit5 to act is suppose to attach to a pe$son 6ho has not p$e%iousl5 been ecla$e incapable# an such capacit5 is p$esu.e to continue so lon) as the cont$a$5 be not p$o%e 3 that is# that at the .o.ent of his actin) he 6as incapable# c$a+5# insane# o$ out of his .in & 9C The bu$ en of p$o%in) incapacit5 to ente$ into cont$actual $elations $ests upon the pe$son 6ho alle)es it3 if no sufficient p$oof to this effect is p$esente # capacit5 6ill be p$esu.e & 9E Na%e 6as eBa.ine an ia)nose b5 octo$s to be .entall5 incapacitate onl5 in 1HF=# 6hen the RTC sta$te hea$in) SP& PROC& No& 1E=7F=7C3 an she 6as not ;u iciall5 ecla$e an inco.petent until 99 ,une 1HFF 6hen a Decision in sai case 6as $en e$e b5 the RTC# $esultin) in the appoint.ent of Att5& Leona$ o C& Pane$ as he$ )ua$ ian& Thus# p$io$ to 1HF=# Na%e is still p$esu.e to be capacitate an co.petent to ente$ into cont$acts such as the Dee of Sale o%e$ the sub;ect p$ope$t5# 6hich she eBecute in fa%o$ of the Pabale siblin)s on 9@ Feb$ua$5 1HFE& The bu$ en of p$o%in) othe$6ise falls upon Ala.a5$i# 6hich she is.all5 faile to o# ha%in) $elie enti$el5 on the 99 ,une 1HFF Decision of the RTC in SP& PROC& No& 1E=7F=7C& Ala.a5$i capitali+es on the ecla$ation of the RTC in its Decision ate 99 ,une 1HFF in SP& PROC& No& 1E=7F=7C on Na%eTs con ition Aha%in) beco.e se%e$e since the 5ea$ 1HF@&A 9? ) 2 2h0r0 34 no >a434 7or 4 ch a %0c=ara23on. The .e ical $epo$ts eBtensi%el5 8uote in sai Decision# p$epa$e b5I :1< D$& Nona ,ean Al%iso7Ra.os# ate 1E Ap$il 1HF=#9= an :9< b5 D$& E ua$ o T& Maaba# ate 9@ Ap$il 1HFG#9G both state that upon thei$ eBa.ination# Na%e 6as suffe$in) f$o. Ao$)anic b$ain s5n $o.e secon a$5 to ce$eb$al a$te$ioscle$osis 6ith ps5chotic episo es#A 6hich i.pai$e he$ ;u ).ent& The$e 6as nothin) in the sai .e ical $epo$ts# ho6e%e$# 6hich .a5 she li)ht on 6hen Na%e be)an to suffe$ f$o. sai .ental con ition& All the5 sai 6as that it eBiste at the ti.e Na%e 6as eBa.ine in 1HF=# an a)ain in 1HFG& E%en the RTC ;u )e 6as onl5 able to obse$%e Na%e# 6hich .a e hi. $eali+e that he$ .in 6as %e$5 i.p$essionable an capable of bein) .anipulate # on the occasions 6hen Na%e %isite the cou$t f$o. 1HFG to 1HFF& !ence# fo$ this Cou$t# the RTC Decision ate 99 ,une 1HFF in SP& PROC& No& 1E=7F=7C .a5 be conclusi%e as to Na%eTs inco.petenc5 f$o. 1HF= on6a$ s# but not as to he$ inco.petenc5 in 1HFE& An othe$ than in%o>in) the 99 ,une 1HFF Decision of the RTC in SP& PROC& No& 1E=7F=7C# Ala.a5$i i not bothe$ to establish 6ith he$ o6n e%i ence that Na%e 6as .entall5 incapacitate 6hen she eBecute the 9@ Feb$ua$5 1HFE Dee of Sale o%e$ the sub;ect p$ope$t5 in fa%o$ of the Pabale siblin)s# so as to $en e$ the sai ee %oi & All tol # the$e bein) no i entit5 of pa$ties an issues bet6een SP& PROC& No& 1E=7F=7C an Ci%il Case No& =G?7FE7C# the 99 ,une 1HFF Decision in the fo$.e$ on Na%eTs inco.petenc5 b5 the 5ea$ 1HF= shoul not ba$# b5 conclusi%eness of ;u ).ent# a fin in) in the latte$ case that Na%e still ha capacit5 an 6as co.petent 6hen she eBecute on 9@ Feb$ua$5 1HFE the Dee of Sale o%e$ the sub;ect p$ope$t5 in fa%o$ of the Pabale siblin)s& The$efo$e# the Cou$t of Appeals i not co..it an5 e$$o$ 6hen it uphel the %ali it5 of the 9@ Feb$ua$5 1HFE Dee of Sale& <&ERE'ORE# p$e.ises consi e$e # the instant Petition fo$ Re%ie6 is he$eb5 (EN"E(& The Decision# ate 1@ Ap$il 9@@1# of the Cou$t of Appeals in CA7*&R& CV No& ?F1CC# is he$eb5 $''"RME( in toto& Costs a)ainst the petitione$ Lolita R& Ala.a5$i& SO OR(ERE(&

Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT Manila T!IRD DIVISION G.R. No. 13---3 J n0 19, -001

)ON"'$C"$ P. *$NC"L, petitione$# %s& &ELEN G. )ELMES, $espon ent& S$N(O*$L-GUT"ERRE#, J.5 Petition fo$ $e%ie6 on ce$tio$a$i of the Decision of the Cou$t of Appeals in CA7*&R& CV No& E?=?@# AIn the Matte$ of *ua$ ianship of Mino$s Vale$ie Vancil an Vincent Vancil U 0onifacia P& Vancil# Petitione$7Appellee# %s& !elen *& 0el.es# Opposito$7Appellant#A p$o.ul)ate on ,ul5 9H# 1HHG# an its Resolution ate Dece.be$ 1F# 1HHG en5in) the .otion fo$ $econsi e$ation of the sai Decision& The facts of the case as su..a$i+e b5 the Cou$t of Appeals in its Decision a$eI APetitione$# 0onifacia Vancil# is the .othe$ of Ree e$ C& Vancil# a Na%5 se$%ice.an of the "nite States of A.e$ica 6ho ie in the sai count$5 on Dece.be$ 99# 1HF=& Du$in) his lifeti.e# Ree e$ ha t6o :9< chil $en na.e Vale$ie an Vincent b5 his co..on7la6 6ife# !elen *& 0el.es& ASo.eti.e in Ma5 of 1HFG# 0onifacia Vancil co..ence befo$e the Re)ional T$ial Cou$t of Cebu Cit5 a )ua$ ianship p$ocee in)s o%e$ the pe$sons an p$ope$ties of .ino$s Vale$ie an Vincent oc>ete as Special P$ocee in)s No& 1=1F7CE0& At the ti.e# Vale$ie 6as onl5 = 5ea$s ol 6hile Vincent 6as a 975ea$ ol chil & It is clai.e in the petition that the .ino$s a$e $esi ents of Cebu Cit5# Philippines an ha%e an estate consistin) of p$ocee s f$o. thei$ fathe$Ts eath pension benefits 6ith a p$obable %alue of P1@@#@@@&@@& AFin in) sufficienc5 in fo$. an in substance# the case 6as set fo$ hea$in) afte$ a C7 consecuti%e76ee>l5 publications 6ith the Sunsta$ Dail5& AOn ,ul5 1?# 1HFG# petitione$# 0onifacia Vancil 6as appointe le)al an ;u icial )ua$ ian o%e$ the pe$sons an estate of Vale$ie Vancil an Vincent Vancil ,$& AOn Au)ust 1C# 1HFG# the natu$al .othe$ of the .ino$s# !elen 0el.es# sub.itte an opposition to the sub;ect )ua$ ianship p$ocee in)s asse%e$atin) that she ha al$ea 5 file a si.ila$ petition fo$ )ua$ ianship un e$ Special P$ocee in)s No& 9F1H befo$e the Re)ional T$ial Cou$t of Pa)a ian Cit5& AThe$eafte$# on ,une 9G# 1HFF# !elen 0el.es follo6e he$ opposition 6ith a .otion fo$ the Re.o%al of *ua$ ian an Appoint.ent of a Ne6 One# asse$tin) that she is the natu$al .othe$ in actual custo 5 of an eBe$cisin) pa$ental autho$it5 o%e$ the sub;ect .ino$s at Ma$ala)# Du.in)a)# Sa.boan)a el Su$ 6he$e the5 a$e pe$.anentl5 $esi in)3 that the petition 6as file un e$ an i.p$ope$ %enue3 an that at the ti.e the petition 6as file

0onifacia Vancil 6as a $esi ent of 1E@ !u$li.an Cou$t# Canon Cit5# Colo$a o# "&S&A& bein) a natu$ali+e A.e$ican citi+en& AOn Octobe$ 19# 1HFF# afte$ ue p$ocee in)s# the t$ial cou$t $e;ecte an enie 0el.esT .otion to $e.o%e an Mo$ to is8ualif5 0onifacia as )ua$ ian of Vale$ie an Vincent ,$& an instea o$ e$e petitione$ 0onifacia Vancil to ente$ the office an pe$fo$. he$ uties as such )ua$ ian upon the postin) of a bon of P?@#@@@&@@& The subse8uent atte.pt fo$ a $econsi e$ation 6as li>e6ise is.isse in an O$ e$ ate No%e.be$ 9E# 1HFF&A 1 On appeal# the Cou$t of Appeals $en e$e its assaile Decision $e%e$sin) the RTC o$ e$ of Octobe$ 19# 1HFF an is.issin) Special P$ocee in)s No& 1=1F7CE0& The Cou$t of Appeals hel I ASt$ess shoul li>e6ise be .a e that ou$ Ci%il Co e consi e$s pa$ents# the fathe$# o$ in the absence# the .othe$# as natu$al )ua$ ian of he$ .ino$ chil $en& The la6 on pa$ental autho$it5 un e$ the Ci%il Co e o$ P&D& =@C an no6 the Ne6 Fa.il5 Co e# :A$ticle 99? of the Fa.il5 Co e< asc$ibe to the sa.e le)al p$onounce.ents& Section G of Rule HC of the Re%ise Rules of Cou$t confi$.s the esi)nation of the pa$ents as ipso facto )ua$ ian of thei$ .ino$ chil $en 6ithout nee of a cou$t appoint.ent an onl5 fo$ )oo $eason .a5 anothe$ pe$son be na.e & I$onicall5# fo$ the petitione$# the$e is nothin) on $eco$ of an5 $eason at all 6h5 !elen 0el.es# the biolo)ical .othe$# shoul be ep$i%e of he$ le)al $i)hts as natu$al )ua$ ian of he$ .ino$ chil $en& To )i%e a6a5 such p$i%ile)e f$o. !elen 6oul be an ab ication an )$a%e %iolation of the %e$5 basic fun a.ental tenets in ci%il la6 an the constitution on fa.il5 soli a$it5&A9 On Ma$ch 1@# 1HHF# 0onifacia Vancil file 6ith this Cou$t the p$esent petition# $aisin) the follo6in) Ale)al pointsAI A1& The Cou$t of Appeals )$a%el5 e$$e in $ulin) that the p$efe$ential $i)ht of a pa$ent to be appointe )ua$ ian o%e$ the pe$sons an estate of the .ino$s is absolute# cont$a$5 to eBistin) ;u$isp$u ence& A9& The Cou$t of Appeals )$a%el5 e$$e in $ulin) that Opposito$ !elen *& 0el.es# the biolo)ical .othe$# shoul be appointe the )ua$ ian of the .ino$s espite the un ispute p$oof that un e$ he$ custo 5# he$ au)hte$ .ino$ Vale$ie Vancil 6as $ape se%en ti.es b5 Opposito$Ts li%e7in pa$tne$& AC& The $espon ent :sic< Cou$t of Appeals )$a%el5 e$$e 6hen it is8ualifie petitione$ 0onifacia P& Vancil to be appointe as ;u icial )ua$ ian o%e$ the pe$sons an estate of sub;ect .ino$s espite the fact that she has all the 8ualifications an none of the is8ualifications as ;u icial )ua$ ian# .e$el5 on the basis of he$ "&S& citi+enship 6hich is clea$l5 not a statuto$5 $e8ui$e.ent to beco.e )ua$ ian&A At the outset# let it be st$esse that in he$ AManifestationMMotion#A ate Septe.be$ 1?# 1HHF# $espon ent !elen 0el.es state that he$ au)hte$ Vale$ie tu$ne ei)hteen on Septe.be$ 9# 1HHF as sho6n b5 he$ 0i$th Ce$tificate&CRespon ent thus p$a5e that this case be is.isse 6ith $espect to Vale$ie# she bein) no lon)e$ a p$ope$ sub;ect of )ua$ ianship p$ocee in)s& The sai AManifestationMMotionA 6as note b5 this Cou$t in its Resolution ate No%e.be$ 11# 1HHF&

Consi e$in) that Vale$ie is al$ea 5 of .a;o$ a)e# this petition has beco.e .oot 6ith $espect to he$& Thus# onl5 the fi$st an thi$ Ale)al pointsA $aise b5 petitione$ shoul be $esol%e & The basic issue fo$ ou$ $esolution is 6ho bet6een the .othe$ an )$an .othe$ of .ino$ Vincent shoul be his )ua$ ian& 2e a)$ee 6ith the $ulin) of the Cou$t of Appeals that $espon ent# bein) the natu$al .othe$ of the .ino$# has the p$efe$ential $i)ht o%e$ that of petitione$ to be his )ua$ ian& This $ulin) fin s suppo$t in A$ticle 911 of the Fa.il5 Co e 6hich p$o%i esI AA$t& 911& The fathe$ an the .othe$ shall ;ointl5 eBe$cise pa$ental autho$it5 o%e$ the pe$sons of thei$ co..on chil $en& In case of isa)$ee.ent# the fathe$Ts ecision shall p$e%ail# unless the$e is a ;u icial o$ e$ to the cont$a$5& BBB&A In ee # bein) the natu$al .othe$ of .ino$ Vincent# $espon ent has the co$$espon in) natu$al an le)al $i)ht to his custo 5& In 5agala'$slao vs. Court of &ppeals#E this Cou$t hel I AOf consi e$able i.po$tance is the $ule lon) accepte b5 the cou$ts that Ythe $i)ht of pa$ents to the custo 5 of thei$ .ino$ chil $en is one of the natu$al $i)hts inci ent to pa$enthoo #T a $i)ht suppo$te b5 la6 an soun public polic5& The $i)ht is an inhe$ent one# 6hich is not c$eate b5 the state o$ ecisions of the cou$ts# but e$i%es f$o. the natu$e of the pa$ental $elationship&A Petitione$ conten s that she is .o$e 8ualifie as )ua$ ian of Vincent& Petitione$Ts clai. to be the )ua$ ian of sai .ino$ can onl5 be $eali+e b5 6a5 of su stitute parental aut"orit#pu$suant to A$ticle 91E of the Fa.il5 Co e# thusI AA$t& 91E& In case of eath# absence o$ unsuitabilit5 of the pa$ents# substitute pa$ental autho$it5 shall be eBe$cise b5 the su$%i%in) )$an pa$ent& BBB&A In 5antos, 5r. vs. Court of &ppeals#? this Cou$t $ule I AThe la6 %ests on the fathe$ an .othe$ ;oint pa$ental autho$it5 o%e$ the pe$sons of thei$ co..on chil $en& In case of absence o$ eath of eithe$ pa$ent# t"e parent present s"all continue e*ercising parental aut"orit#& Onl5 in case of the pa$entsT eath# absence o$ unsuitabilit5 .a5 substitute pa$ental autho$it5 be eBe$cise b5 the su$%i%in) )$an pa$ent&A Petitione$# as the su$%i%in) )$an pa$ent# can eBe$cise substitute pa$ental autho$it5 onl5 in case of eath# absence o$ unsuitabilit5 of $espon ent& Consi e$in) that $espon ent is %e$5 .uch ali%e an has eBe$cise continuousl5 pa$ental autho$it5 o%e$ Vincent# petitione$ has to p$o%e# in asse$tin) he$ $i)ht to be the .ino$Ts )ua$ ian# $espon entTs unsuitabilit5& Petitione$# ho6e%e$# has not p$offe$e con%incin) e%i ence sho6in) that $espon ent is not suite to be the )ua$ ian of Vincent& Petitione$ .e$el5 insists that $espon ent is .o$all5 unfit as )ua$ ian of Vale$ie consi e$in) that he$ :$espon entTs< li%e7in pa$tne$ $ape Vale$ie se%e$al ti.es& 0ut Vale$ie# bein) no6 of .a;o$ a)e# is no lon)e$ a sub;ect of this )ua$ ianship p$ocee in)& E%en assu.in) that $espon ent is unfit as )ua$ ian of .ino$ Vincent# still petitione$ cannot 8ualif5 as a substitute )ua$ ian& It bea$s st$essin) that she is an A.e$ican citi+en an a $esi ent of Colo$a o& Ob%iousl5# she 6ill not be able to pe$fo$. the $esponsibilities an obli)ations $e8ui$e of a )ua$ ian&

In fact# in he$ petition# she a .itte the ifficult5 of ischa$)in) the uties of a )ua$ ian b5 an eBpat$iate# li>e he$& To be su$e# she 6ill .e$el5 ele)ate those uties to so.eone else 6ho .a5 not also 8ualif5 as a )ua$ ian& Mo$eo%e$# 6e obse$%e that $espon entTs alle)ation that petitione$ has not set foot in the Philippines since 1HFG has not been cont$o%e$te b5 he$& 0esi es# petitione$Ts ol a)e an he$ con%iction of libel b5 the Re)ional T$ial Cou$t# 0$anch =# Cebu Cit5 in C$i.inal Case No& C0"71=FFE = file b5 one Danilo R& Deen# 6ill )i%e he$ a secon thou)ht of sta5in) he$e& In ee # he$ co.in) bac> to this count$5 ;ust to fulfill the uties of a )ua$ ian to Vincent fo$ onl5 t6o 5ea$s is not ce$tain& Si)nificantl5# this Cou$t has hel that cou$ts shoul not appoint pe$sons as )ua$ ians 6ho a$e not 6ithin the ;u$is iction of ou$ cou$ts fo$ the5 6ill fin it ifficult to p$otect the 6a$ s& In (uerrero vs. -eran#G this Cou$t hel I ADoNa Ma$ia MuNo+ 5 *o.e+ 6as# as abo%e in icate # $e.o%e upon the theo$5 that he$ appoint.ent 6as %oi because she i not $esi e in the Philippine Islan s& The$e is nothin) in the la6 6hich $e8ui$es the cou$ts to appoint $esi ents onl5 as a .inist$ato$s o$ )ua$ ians& !o6e%e$# not6ithstan in) the fact that the$e a$e no statuto$5 $e8ui$e.ents upon this 8uestion# the cou$ts# cha$)e 6ith the $esponsibilities of p$otectin) the estates of ecease pe$sons# 6a$ s of the estate# etc&# 6ill fin .uch ifficult5 in co.pl5in) 6ith this ut5 b5 appointin) a .inist$ato$s an )ua$ ians 6ho a$e not pe$sonall5 sub;ect to thei$ ;u$is iction& Not6ithstan in) that the$e is no statuto$5 $e8ui$e.ent# the cou$ts shoul not consent to the appoint.ent of pe$sons as a .inist$ato$s an )ua$ ians 6ho a$e not pe$sonall5 sub;ect to the ;u$is iction of ou$ cou$ts he$e&A 2!EREFORE# the appeale Decision is he$eb5 AFFIRMED# 6ith .o ification in the sense that Vale$ie# 6ho has attaine the a)e of .a;o$it5# 6ill no lon)e$ be un e$ the )ua$ ianship of $espon ent !elen 0el.es& Costs a)ainst petitione$& SO ORDERED&

RULE 95 CASES

Selling and Encumbering Property of Ward

Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT Manila EN 0ANC G.R. No. L-30,1 Ma! -9, 1950

S$L*$C"ON LOPE#, petitione$# %s& JOSE TEO(ORO, Sr., J %80 o7 2h0 Co r2 o7 '3r42 "n42anc0 o7 Occ3%0n2a= N08ro4, EUL$L"O LOPE#, Jr., an% JESUS J$L)UEN$, $espon ents&

Januario %. Jison, Jose 6. 7izon and Jose -. Ja+andre for petitioner. %a3andola (. %opez for respondents -eodoro, 5r. and %opez, Jr. &ntonio -. %ozada for respondent Jal uena. TU$SON, J.5 Eulalio Lope+# S$&# an incapacitate un e$ the ;u icial )ua$ ianship of Eulalio Lope+# ,$&# 6as the eBclusi%e an absolute o6ne$ of an "acienda in Sila5# Ne)$os Occi ental# ha%in) a total a$ea of o%e$ 1@@ hecta$es& On Septe.be$ C# 1HEF# the Cou$t of Fi$st Instance# actin) upon a .otion of Senen L& *a.boa an A elai a *a.boa file in the p$ocee in)s fo$ )ua$ ianship# o$ e$e the )ua$ ian to pa5 the .o%ants PG#C19 plus 19 pe$ cent inte$est f$o. Au)ust# 1HEE# a.ount 6hich $ep$esente loans p$ope$l5 autho$i+e b5 cou$t& The o$ e$ p$o%i e that if the )ua$ ian i not ha%e fun s to pa5 those ebts# he shoul ta>e the necessa$5 steps fo$ the sale of so.e of the p$ope$t5 of the )ua$ ianship& In pu$suance of this autho$it5# the )ua$ ian sol the abo%e t$act of lan # the onl5 p$ope$t5 of 6hich the incapacitate 6as possesse # on ,anua$5 11# 1HEH# to ,esus boun hi.self to pa5 the .o$t)a)e ebt an othe$ obli)ations a))$e)atin) P99#CE=&C@# an to satisf5 the balance in t6o install.ents& It is a .itte that in autho$i+in) the sale of so.e of the p$ope$t5 of the incapacitate # the cou$t i not follo6 the $e8ui$e.ent of section 9 of Rule H= to the effect that the cou$t shall i$ect the neBt of >in of the 6a$ # an all pe$sons inte$este in the estate# to appea$ at a $easonable ti.e an place to be specifie in the o$ e$# to sho6 cause 6h5 the p$a5e$ fo$ the sale shoul not be )$ante & No$ i the cou$t specif5# as p$o%i e b5 section E of the sa.e Rule# 6hethe$ the sale shoul be effecte publicl5 o$ p$i%atel5& Althou)h Eulalio Lope+# ,$& 6as the ;u icial )ua$ ian# the incapacitate 6as an is un e$ the actual ca$e an custo 5 of his siste$# Sal%acion Lope+& 0elie%in) that the sale 6as p$e;u icial to he$ b$othe$'s inte$est# Sal%acion Lope+ file a .otion fo$ $econsi e$ation of the cou$t's o$ e$ autho$i+in) sai sale# an upon the .otion bein) enie # she b$ou)ht this petition fo$ certiorari an +anda+us# conten in) that the sale 6as null an %oi b5 $eason of the cou$t's failu$e to a he$e to Rule H=# an p$a5in) that the o$ e$s of the $espon ent cou$t be co$$ecte an the sai cou$t i$ecte to $e%o>e the sale& The ;u icial )ua$ ian# Eulalio Lope+# ,$&# an the %en ee# ,esus ,albuena# ha%e file sepa$ate ans6e$ an $aise se%e$al efenses& These a$e# fi$st# that the petitione$'s $e.e 5# if she has an5# is b5 appeal an not certiorarian Mo$ +anda+us3 secon # that the petitione$ has no inte$est 6hatsoe%e$ in the sub;ect .atte$ of he$ petition3 thi$ # that 6hethe$ the sale is p$e;u icial o$ not is a p$ope$ )$oun fo$ a sepa$ate action an not certiorari o$+anda+us3 fou$th# that the sale 6as not .a e in cont$a%ention of eBistin) la6s3 an fifth# that the cou$t# as p$obate cou$t# has lost ;u$is iction o%e$ the p$ope$t5 sol because the lan is no6 $e)iste$e in the na.e of the pu$chase$ to 6ho. a ne6 t$ansfe$ ce$tificate of title has been ul5 issue & 2ithout eci in) the le)alit5 o$ ille)alit5 of the sale# o$ 6hethe$ this .atte$ shoul be %entillate in an o$ ina$5 action instea of in a p$ocee in) fo$ certiorari# it is e%i ent that appeal an not certiorari o$ +anda+us is the p$ope$ $e.e 5& "n8uestionabl5# the cou$t of fi$st instance in 6hich the )ua$ ianship p$ocee in)s 6e$e pen in) ha ;u$is iction to o$ e$ the 8uestione sale& The cou$t's ;u$is iction is not ispute & No$ 6as the$e an abuse of isc$etion# ;u )in) f$o. the a%e$.ents in the

ans6e$s& It appea$s that the outstan in) in ebte ness of the )ua$ ianship p$ope$l5 an le)all5 incu$$e a.ounte to PC=#FCC&==# pa$t of 6hich 6as ue the petitione$ fo$ the suppo$t an .aintenance of the incapacitate & The othe$ efense that oes not lea%e .uch $oo. fo$ iscussion is that the petitione$ has no le)al inte$est in he$ co.plaint& The incapacitate has chil $en# all of a)e# one of 6ho. is the ;u icial )ua$ ian# 6hile the petitione$ is onl5 the 6a$ 's siste$& Not bein) Eulalio Lope+'s fo$ce hei$# she 6as not p$e;u ice b5 the sale she see>s to i.pu)n& It is t$ue that she 6as a c$e ito$ but she oes not clai. an5 $i)ht to be notifie of the sale as such c$e ito$# an he$ c$e it 6as not i.pai$e & On the cont$a$5# she 6as benefite b5 the sale in that she 6as pai 6hat 6as ue he$ f$o. its p$ocee s& As to the othe$ c$e ito$s# the5 i not appea$ to ha%e an5 ob;ection to the action ta>en b5 the ;u icial )ua$ ian an autho$i+e b5 the cou$t& The petitione$ insist that she is neBt of >in& She is in e$$o$& ANeBt of >inA 6ithin the .eanin) of Rule H= a$e $elati%es 6hose $elationship is such that the5 a$e entitle to sha$e in the estate as ist$ibutees& :CC C&,&# HC@7HC1&< ANeBt of >inA is also efine in 0lac>'s La6 Dictiona$5# C$ e &# as to .ean not the neBt of >in $e but those $elati%es 6ho sha$e in the estate acco$ in) to the statute of ist$ibution inclu in) those clai.in) pe$ st$ipes o$ b5 $ep$esentation& None of the chil $en of the incapacitate is o$ 6as oppose to the sale sou)ht to be set asi e& Onl5 these ha an inte$est in the lan of thei$ fathe$# besi es the c$e ito$s# an onl5 the5 o$ the c$e ito$s 6ho .a5 ha%e been p$e;u ice b5 the sale ha%e a $i)ht to ob;ect the$eto& !a%in) $eache these conclusions# it is unnecessa$5 fo$ us to iscuss the othe$ 8uestions $aise & The petition is enie # 6ithout costs&

Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT Manila EN 0ANC G.R. No. L-1-36 Ma! -6, 1948

M$RCELO E. "NTON, 'E SE*ER$ E. "NTON an% h0r h 4>an% 'R$NC"SCO M$)"N", $NTON"O E. "NTON, an% OL"MP"$ E. "NTON, plaintiffs7appellees# %s& ($N"EL +U"NT$N$ an% 2h0 a%63n342ra2or or a%63n342ra2r3A o7 2h0 2042a20 042a20 o7 2h0 =a20 $=0Can%ro + 3n2ana an% $=0Can%ra Ma=3>3ran, efen ants7appellants& &lonzo Val. Cuintana for appellants. Ro+an B. &ntonio for appellees. TU$#ON, J.5 Ma$celo E& Inton# Fe Se%e$a# E& Inton# Antonion E& Inton an Oli.pia E& Inton# b$othe$s an siste$s# 6e$e the o6ne$s in e8ual an in i%i e sha$es of a pa$cel of lan ha%in) an a$ea of 1?#1=G s8ua$e

.ete$s an situate in Sa.al# 0ataan& On Ma5 1@# 1HC=# Macelo E& Inton# Fe Se%e$a E& Inton# both of a)e# an thei$ .othe$ File a En$ile# the latte$ actin) Ain $ep$esentationA of Antonio E& Inton an Oli.pia E& Inton# then un e$ a)e# sol that lan to Ale;an $o Malibi$an# husban an 6ife un e$ the follo6in) te$.s an con itionsI -ue en consi e$acion a la su.a e ochocientos pesos :PF@@< .one a filipina# 8ue he.os $ecebi o en este acto# e los esposos Ale;an $o -uintana 5 Ale;an $a Malibi$an# .a5o$es e e a 5 $esi ente en Sa.al# 0atan# po$ la p$esente %en e.os# ce e.os# 5 t$aspasa.os en cali a e %enta $eal 5 absoluta a los .enciona os esposo Ale;an $o -uintana 5 Ala;an $a Malibi$an# un te$$eno situa o en Aplo# Sa.al# 0ataan# 8ue se esc$ibe co.o si)ueI K!e$e follo6s the esc$iption of the lan L !ace.os consta$# 8ue# la .ita el i.po$tante e icha %enta o sea la su.a e cuat$ocientos pesos :PE@@< se usa$a en la .anutencion 5 e ucacion e los os .eno$es Antonio Inton 5 Oli.pia Inton& !ace.os consta$ ta.bien 8ue# en caso e 8ue los .ino$es Antonio Inton 5 Oli.pia Inton# se nie)uen a $atifica$ esta %enta cuan o lle)uen a su .a5o$ia e e a # nosot$os los fi$.antes e este ocu.ento e %enta nos obli)a.os .anco.una a 5 soli a$ia.ente a e%ol%e$ la su.a e ochocientos pesos :PF@@< .one a filipina& 05 %i$tue of the sale# the pu$chase too> possession of the p$ope$t5 an hel it until 1HE9# 6hen the5 ie an the lan # in the eBt$a;u icial pa$tition a.on) thei$ hei$s# passe into the han s of Daniel -uintana# Ale;an $o -uintana's b$othe$ an the p$incipal o$ %i$tuall5 the sole efen ant in this case& So.eti.e in 1HEE# 6hen Antonio Inton an Oli.pia Inton ha attaine the a)e of .a;o$it5# Daniel -uintana# so it is alle)e # atte.pte to ha%e the. as 6ell as thei$ b$othe$ Ma$celo an thei$ siste$ Fe Se%a$$a eBecute an absolute ee of con%e5ance& The fou$ b$othe$ an siste$s not onl5 $efuse but co..en e the instant suit& The pa$ties# th$ou)h counsel# sub.itte the case fo$ ecision on an a)$ee state.ent of the issues $eache at the p$e7t$ial& In full it is as follo6sI 2hen this case 6as calle fo$ hea$in) this .o$nin)# the pa$ties# th$ou)h thei$ $especti%e councel# a)$ee that the$e eBists no issue of fact bet6een the.3 an that the onl5 issue bet6een the. is )ene$ate b5 the iffe$ent inte$p$etation each of the. places on the cont$act 8uote in pa$a)$aph th$ee of the co.plaint# to 6itI 1& 2hile plaintiffs inte$p$et it as a cont$act sub;ect to $atification b5 the .ino$s Antonio Inton# Defen ant's inte$p$et it as a cont$act of absolute sale3 an 9& 2hile plaintiffs conten that Antonio Inton 6ho beco.e of le)al a)e in the 5ea$ 1HCH# an Oli.pia Inton 6ho $eache the a)e of .a;o$it5 in 1HE1 eBe$cise thei$ $i)ht to $epu iate o$ isap$o%e that cont$act 6ithin the pe$io fiBe b5 la63 efen ants# on the othe$ han # u$)e that none of the sai .ino$s eBe$cise that $i)ht 6ithin a $easonable pe$io an that conse8uentl5# the5 a$e both )uilt5 of laches&

In %ie6 of this a)$e.ent# an of thei$ ha%in) sub.itte this case fo$ ecision on the basis the$eof# efen ants .otion to i.iss an plaintiffs' opposition to that .otion a$e he$eb5 ee.e 6ith $a6n3 an each of the pa$ties he$ein is he$eb5 )i%en a pe$io of fifteen :1?< a5s f$o. the ate he$eof 6ithin 6hich to sub.it a .e.o$an u.& The iffe$ence in the a)es an in the le)al capacit5 to cont$act of the fou$ b$othe$s an siste$s c$eate istinct liabilities on thei$ pa$t& The cou$t belo6 is$e)a$ e o$ o%e$loo>e this istinction# an to this eBtent it e$$e & The fi$st p$oposition fo$.ulate in the stipulation b5 the pa$ties can affect onl5 the si)ne$s of the ee of con%e5ance# Ma$celo an Fe Se%a$a& Antonio an Oli.pia# 6ho 6e$e un e$ a)e an too> no pa$t in the sale# a$e not boun b5 the a)$ee.ent# $e)a$ less of its te$. an its intention of the cont$actin) pa$ties# unless the .ino$s' action is ba$$e b5 the statue of li.itations# o$ the efen ants possession has $ipene into title b5 p$esc$iption# o$ estoppel has inte$%ene & Althou)h the .othe$ 6as sai to be the .ino$ chil $en's )ua$ ian 4 an alle)ation on 6hich the$e is not the sli)htest e%i ence 4 it oes not appea$ that she 6as auto$i+e to ente$ into this t$ansaction o$ that the sale 6as app$ao%e b5 the co.petent cou$t& 2ithout the cou$t's autho$it5 o$ app$o%al# the sale 6as ineffecti%e as to the .ino$ chil $en e%en if she 6e$e the .ino$s' ;u icial )ua$ ian& A )ua$ ian has no autho$it5 to sell $eal estate of his 6a$ # .e$el5 b5 $eason of his )ene$al po6e$s# an in the absence of an5 special autho$it5 to sell confe$$e b5 6ill# statue# o$ o$ e$ of cou$t& :9F C&,&# 11CC&< A sale of the 6a$ s $ealt5 of )ua$ ian 6ithout autho$it5 of the cou$t is %oi & :Lafa$)a %s& Lafa$)a# 99 Phil&# CGE3 Le es.a !e$.anos %s& Cast$o# ?? Phil&# 1C=3 D$5s ale's Succ&# 1C@ La&# 1=G3 ?G S& GFH3 Lo%in) %s& C$aft# TeB& Ci%& A# 99F S&2&# ?H@3 Pal.e$ %s& Ab$aha.s# ?? 2ash&# C?93 1@E P&# =EF&< It follo6s that if 6hat the .othe$ stipulate is i..ate$ial# an this b$anch of the case can affect onl5 Ma$celo Inton an Fe Se%e$a Inton an thei$ sha$es in the lan & The cou$t belo6 hel that the sale 6as con itional# con itione in the $atification b5 the .ino$ b$othe$ an siste$ 6hen the5 beca.e of a)e# an since these faile o$ $efuse to $atif5 the sale# it ecla$e the sa.e Acancelle # null an of no effect&A Ou$ inte$p$etation of the cont$act lea s us to a iffe$ent $esult& 2e a)$ee 6ith counsel fo$ the efen ant that the p$o%ision $e)a$ in) the $atification of the sale b5 the .ino$s 6as inten e as a p$otection of the pu$chase$s& The ph$ase A!ace.os consta$# ta.bienA clea$l5 enotes continuit5 of thou)ht 4 a notion to .a>e $atification an a itional safe)ua$ of the pu$chase$s $i)ht# li>e the 6a$$ant5 of the title an peaceful possession 6hich 6as i.plie if not eBp$esse & The$e 6as nothin) in the ci$cu.stances of the %en o$s 6hich cont$a icts the eBp$ess state.ent in the fi$st pa$a)$aph of the ee that the sale 6as A$eal 5 absoluta&A If the .ino$s shoul $epu iate the sale that coul 6o$> p$e;u ice to the bu5e$s alone& It 6oul not in the least e.inish the consi e$ation of the sale o$ place the selle$s in an5 position .o$e isa %anta)eous than that 6hich the5 occupie at the ti.e of the sale& The5 )ot the pu$chase p$ice in cash 6hich# to all appea$ances# 6as the full .a$>et %alue of the p$ope$t5& The fact that onl5 the selle$s si)ne the a)$ee.ent is an a e a$)u.ent# thou)h not ecisi%e# that the con ition of $atification 6as inten e to appl5 a)ainst the %en o$s an not a)ainst the pu$chase$s&

The situation of the bu5e$s 6as iffe$ent& The5 e%i entl5# an 6ith $eason# $eali+e the efects of Fi ela En$ile's le)al capacit5 to act in behalf of his .ino$ chil $en& It .i)ht not suit the. to >eep onl5 one7half of the pa$cel 6hen an if the .ino$s shoul choose to isaffi$. the sale& It 6as but natu$al in the li)ht of this unce$taint5 that the5 shoul ha%e ee. it 6ise to ha%e inse$te the stipulation that in the e%ent of $epu iation b5 the .ino$s the5 coul su$$en e$ the lan an ha%e thei$ .one5 bac>& 0ut this 6as not to be the case necessa$il5& It .i)ht be to thei$ con%enience if an 6hen isaffi$.ance .ate$iali+e to a he$e to the sale as to one7half inte$est in the lan & The $easonable inte$p$etation of the con ition of $atification see.s the$efo$e to be that it 6as in the natu$e of an option eBten e to the bu5e$s eithe$ to call off the 6hole t$ansaction o$ to stic> to the sale 6ith $efe$ence to the sha$es of the a ult chil $en 6ho ha full capacit5 to ispose of thei$ p$ope$t5 in epen entl5 of the .ino$ chil $en's futu$e action& In this connection# the con ucts of the plaintiffs an thei$ .othe$ is illu.inatin)& It appea$s that Antonio Inton $eache the a)e of 91 in 1HCH an Oli.pia Inton in 1HE1# an thei$ .othe$# it is alle)e # ie sho$tl5 befo$e the p$esent action 6as institute & 'et it 6as onl5 afte$ the efen ant un e$too> to ha%e the fou$ b$othe$s an siste$s eBecute a ne6 ee of con%e5ance that the5 .a e up thei$ .in s to $escin the sale& 2e ta>e this ela5 as an ele8uent $eputation of the plaintiff's theo$5 on the .eanin) an scope of the cont$o%e$te clause& Thei$ ela5e action# onl5 p$o%o>e at that b5 efen ants .o%e# is oubl5 si)nificant 6hen 6e ta>e account of the consi e$able inc$ease in %alue 6hich the p$ope$t5 ha )aine & 2e place little o$ no faith in the asse$tion that Antonio an Ol5.pia lea$ne of the sale onl5 in 1HEE# sho$tl5 befo$e the5 co..ence this action& "n e$ the ci$cu.stances isclose b5 the $eco$ # this asse$tion st$i>es us as untenable& The p$inciple of laches is not applicable to this case& In ete$.inin) 6hethe$ plaintiff is ba$$e b5 laches# it is i.po$tant to consi e$ the natu$e of the $i)ht asse$te # an the cha$acte$ of the $elief sou)ht# an the natu$e of the p$ocee in)s $eso$te to& In $efe$ence to the natu$e of the $i)ht asse$te an the $elief sou)ht# the$e is a 6ell $eco)ni+e an fun a.ental istinction bet6een the t6o classes of cases into one o$ the othe$ of 6hich all the cases fall& The fi$st class inclu es those cases 6he$e p$otection is sou)ht a)ainst a %iolation of the p$esent %este p$ope$t5 $i)ht o$ 6hat has been te$.e an A eBecute inte$est&A The secon class inclu es those cases in 6hich plaintiffs $i)ht is not %este in the possesion but lies in action# an it is necessa$5 to obtain the peculia$ $elief affo$ e b5 cou$ts of e8uit5 in o$ e$ to in%est plaintiffs 6ith the $i)ht clai.e & This >in of $i)ht o$ inte$est has been te$.e AeBecuto$5&A In the case of eBecuto$5 inte$est# the oct$ine of laches applies full5# an in o$ e$ to obtain $elief plaintiff .ust co.e into cou$t 6ithout un$easonable ela5& 2he$e ho6e%e$# plaintiff co.e into e8uit5# not fo$ the c$eation o$ establish.ent of the eBecuto$5 $i)ht# but fo$ the .e$e p$otection of an eBecute o$ %este le)al $i)ht# the oct$ine of laches has little if an5# application& The $ule he$e applie is that# unless the statuto$5 pe$io of li.itations has $un o$ sufficient ti.e has elapse to c$eate a p$esu.ption of )$ant# no .e$e ela5 is a ba$ to e8uitable $elief in suppo$t of a le)al $i)ht# an that plaintiff is p$eclu e f$o. $elief onl5 b5 such con uct as c$eate an aban on.ent of the le)al $i)ht itself# o$ an estoppel to asse$t it a)ainst efen ants& :91 C& ,&# 91?&< The plaintiffs Antonio an Oli.pia E& Inton a$e not t$5in) to p$otect an eBecuto$5 $i)ht but to %in icate a le)al $i)ht& The case of U# 5oo %i+ vs. -an Un C"uan# CF# Phil&# ?99# cite b5 the efen ant oes not suppo$t hi.& Rathe$ the opposite& That case falls 6ithin the cate)o$5 of the secon class of cases .entione on the p$ocee in) pa$a)$aph3 the plaintiff the$e sou)ht to $escin a %oi able cont$act affectin) pe$sonal p$ope$t5 6hich he hi.self ha ente$e into& The statue of li.itation 6as

not in%ol%e & !e in%o>e a )ene$al p$inciple of e8uit5# not a la6 establishin) a public polic5# 6hich $e8ui$e that action shoul be b$ou)ht 6ithin a $easonable ti.e so as to a%oi p$e;u ice to the inte$est of the a %e$se pa$t5& 2hat is .o$e# the efen ant's in%ocation of laches see.s pa$a oBical& It 6as he 6ho 6as inte$este in the confi$.ation of the sale& If punctualit5 6as nee e # it 6as he 6ho 6as un e$ obli)ation of the act p$o.tl5# to ha%e the si)ne$s of the ee of sale# befo$e the .othe$ ie # p$e%ail upon the chil $en to hono$ thei$ .othe$'s co..it.ent& The t6o .ino$s 6e$e not le)all5 o$ .o$all5 boun to info$. hi. of thei$ attitu e to6a$ a cont$act in 6hich the5 ha no pa$t& The5 6e$e ;ustifie in $el5in) on the ten7 5ea$ pe$io allo6e the. b5 la6 to $eco%e$ thei$ lan & The oct$ine of laches cannot inte$fe$e 6ith the $unnin) of the pe$io of li.itation3 onl5 a %ali cont$act o$ con uct of the pa$ties ope$atin) as estoppel can& 2e nee be $e.in e that the plea of an eBcusable ela5 $est in the position that ne)lect to asse$t a $i)ht# ta>en in con;uction 6ith lapse of ti.e# has cause p$e;u ice to an a %e$se pa$t5& It is onl5 un e$ the ci$cu.stances that the efense of laches is a%ailable& If the efen ant .a e i.p$o%e.ents on the lan bet6een 1HE1# 6hen Oli.pia beco.e of a)e# an 1HEE# 6hen this action 6as b$ou)ht# he i so 6ith full >no6le )e of the p$eca$iousness of his title& As he$etofo$e note # the ti.e 6hich Antonio Inton an Oli.pia Inton# the 5oun)e$ chil $en# .i)ht b$in) a suit to $eco%e$ thei$ p$ope$t5 is )o%e$ne b5 la6& 2hat the .othe$ sai o$ inten e to sa5 in the ee of sale cannot bin the.& A cont$act cannot i.pose cont$actual obli)ation on an5 one not a pa$t5 to it& *$antin) the efen ant's contention that b5 the te$.s of the cont$act election b5 the .ino$s to $atif5 6as to be .a e p$o.ptl5 afte$ the5 $eache .a;o$it5# those te$.s i not ha%e the effect of sho$tenin) the pe$io of p$esc$iption 6hich the la6 has fiBe & Those 6ho eBecute the cont$act coul not chan)e the pe$io of p$esc$iption to the p$e;u ice of the .ino$ chil $en an5 .o$e than the5 coul alienate the latte$'s p$ope$t5 6ithout ue autho$it5& The p$esent suit is essentiall5 one to $eco%e$ lan & The $i)ht of this action of this cha$acte$ p$esc$ibes in ten 5ea$s& "n e$ section E@ of Act No& 1H@ an action fo$ $eco%e$5 of title to# o$ possession of le)al p$ope$t5 o$ an inte$est the$ein# .a5 be b$ou)ht 6ithin ten 5ea$s afte$ the cause of action acc$ues& Assu.in) that the cause of action acc$ue in 1HC=# the ate 6hen the cont$act 6as ente$e into# the pe$io of ten tea$s eBpi$e t6o 5ea$s afte$ the action 6as be)un# the co.plaint ha%in) been oc>ete on ,ul5 1@# 1HEE& T$ue# section E9 of the Co e of Ci%il P$oce u$e p$o%i es that AIf a pe$son entitle to b$in) the action .entione in the p$ocee in) section of this Chapte$ is# at the ti.e the cause of action acc$ues# 6ithin the a)e of .ino$it5# & & &# such pe$son .a5# afte$ eBpi$ation of ten 5ea$s f$o. the ti.e the cause of action acc$ues# b$in) such action 6ithin th$ee 5ea$s afte$ such isabilit5 is $e.o%e &A It is also t$ue that on ,ul5 1@# 1HEE# 6hen this action 6as file # Antonio Inton 6as al$ea 5 9= 5ea$s of a)e# .o$e than th$ee 5ea$s afte$ he $each .a;o$it5& 0ut section E9 has been const$ue b5 this Cou$t in $elation of section E@ in the sense that# AIf the th$ee 5ea$s afte$ attain.ent of .a;o$it5 eBpi$es befo$e the full ten75ea$ pe$io elapses# p$esc$iption beco.es effecti%e at the eBpi$ation of the latte$ pe$io &A :Ra.os %s& Ra.os# E? Phil&# C=9<& The$e is no .e$it in the assi)n.ent of e$$o$ that the application of the statue of li.itation in this case is a epa$tu$e f$o. the theo$5 of the efen ant in his ans6e$& Section 1 of Rule 9? entitle AP$e7t$ialA p$o%i es that the cou$t shall .a>e an o$ e$ $e)a$ in) the a)$ee.ents of the pa$ties as to an5 of the .atte$s consi e$e # an that such o$ e$ 6hen ente$e cont$ols the subse8uent cou$se of action& It

has been seen that the plaintiffs eBp$essl5 set out in the stipulation that it 6as thei$ contention the action 6as file A6ithin the pe$io fiBe b5 la6& The p$a5e$ fo$ the annul.ent o$ $escission of the sale oes not ope$ate to efface the fun a.ental an p$i.e ob;ecti%es an natu$e of action# 6hich is to $eco%e$ $eal p$ope$t5& The annul.ent of the sale is not secon a$5& At an5 $ate# bein) absolutel5 %oi # entitle to no autho$it5 o$ $espect# the sale .a5 be i.peache in collate$al p$ocee in) b5 an5 one 6hose $i)hts an inte$ests in conflicts& The$e is no p$esu.ption of its %ali it5& In conclusion# 6e hol %oi in sale as to the sha$es of Antonio Inton an Oli.pia Inton# an %ali as to Ma$celo's an Fe Se%e$a's sha$es& Antonio an Oli.pia shall $efun to the efen ant the su. pai b5 the -uintanas fo$ the fo$.e$'s sha$es 4 PE@@& The ee of sale $ecites that this a.ount this a.ount 6as to be use fo$ thei$ e ucation& This state.ent has not been isp$o%e o$ enie & As to an5 i.p$o%e.ent the efen ant o$ his )$anto$s .a5 ha%e int$o uce on the lan # no e%i ence 6hate%e$ 6as p$esente & ,u ).ent shall be ente$e in acco$ ance 6ith the fin in)s an conclusions in the p$ecee in)s an conclusions in the p$ece in)s pa$a)$aph 6ithout special fin in) as to costs&

RULE 97 TERMIN TI!N !" #U R$I NS%IP

Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT Manila T!IRD DIVISION G.R. No. 154994 J n0 -8, -005

JO.CEL.N P$)LO-GU$L)ERTO, petitione$# %s& CR"S$NTO R$'$EL"TO GU$L)ERTO *, $espon ent& B 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7B G.R. No. 156-54 J n0 -8, -005

CR"S$NTO R$'$EL"TO G. GU$L)ERTO *, petitione$# %s& COURT O' $PPE$LSH &on. &ELEN ). R"C$'ORT, Pr043%3n8 J %80, R083ona= Tr3a= Co r2 ParaIaJ 0 C32!, )ranch -60H an% JO.CEL.N (. P$)LO-GU$L)ERTO, $espon ents& DECISION P$NG$N")$N, J.: 2hen lo%e is lost bet6een spouses an the .a$$ia)e ine%itabl5 $esults in sepa$ation# the bitte$est tussle is often o%e$ the custo 5 of thei$ chil $en& The Cou$t is no6 tas>e to settle the opposin)

clai.s of the pa$ents fo$ custo 5pendente lite of thei$ chil 6ho is less than se%en 5ea$s of a)e& The$e bein) no sufficient p$oof of an5 co.pellin) $eason to sepa$ate the .ino$ f$o. his .othe$# custo 5 shoul $e.ain 6ith he$& The Case 0efo$e us a$e t6o consoli ate petitions. The first is a Petition fo$ Re%ie61 file b5 ,o5cel5n Pablo7 *ualbe$to un e$ Rule E? of the Rules of Cou$t# assailin) the Au)ust C@# 9@@9 Decision 9 of the Cou$t of Appeals :CA< in CA7*R SP No& G@FGF& The assaile Decision ispose as follo6sI B<&ERE'ORE# p$e.ises consi e$e # the Petition fo$ Ce$tio$a$i is he$eb5 GR$NTE(. The assaile O$ e$ of Ma5 1G# 9@@9 is he$eb5 SET $S"(E an $NNULLE(. The custo 5 of the chil is he$eb5 o$ e$e $etu$ne to KC$isanto Rafaelito *& *ualbe$to VL& AThe K$espon entL cou$tM,u )e is he$eb5 i$ecte to consi e$# hea$ an $esol%e Kpetitione$TsL .otion to lift the a6a$ of custo 5 pendente lite of the chil to K$espon entL&AC The secon is a Petition fo$ CertiorariE file b5 C$isanto Rafaelito *ualbe$to V un e$ Rule =? of the Rules of Cou$t# cha$)in) the appellate cou$t 6ith )$a%e abuse of isc$etion fo$ en5in) his Motion fo$ Pa$tial Reconsi e$ation of the Au)ust C@# 9@@9 Decision& The enial 6as containe in the CATs No%e.be$ 9G# 9@@9 Resolution# 6hich 6e 8uoteI A2e coul not fin an5 co)ent $eason 6h5 the Klast pa$t of the ispositi%e po$tion of ou$ Decision of Au)ust C@# 9@@9L shoul be elete # hence# sub;ect .otion is he$eb5 DENIED&A ? The Facts The CA na$$ate the antece ents as follo6sI AB B B KOLn Ma$ch 19# 9@@9# KC$isanto Rafaelito *& *ualbe$to VL file befo$e Kthe Re)ional T$ial Cou$t of Pa$aNa8ue Cit5L a petition fo$ ecla$ation of nullit5 of his .a$$ia)e to B B B ,o5cel5n D& Pablo *ualbe$to# 6ith an ancilla$5 p$a5e$ fo$ custo 5 pen ente lite of thei$ al.ost E75ea$7ol son# .ino$ Rafaello :the chil # fo$ b$e%it5<# 6ho. K,o5cel5nL alle)e l5 too> a6a5 6ith he$ f$o. the con;u)al ho.e an his school :Infant To le$Ts Disco%e$5 Cente$ in Pa$aNa8ue Cit5< 6hen KsheL eci e to aban on KC$isantoL so.eti.e in ea$l5 Feb$ua$5 9@@9K&L B B B KOLn Ap$il 9# 9@@9# KRTC ,u )e !elen 0& Ricafo$tL hea$ the ancilla$5 p$a5e$ of KC$isantoL fo$ custo 5 pen ente lite& B B B K0Lecause K,o5cel5nL alle)e l5 faile to appea$ espite notice# KC$isantoL# a ce$tain Col& Renato Santos# an Ms& Che$$5 0atistel# testifie befo$e the B B B ,u )e3 B B B ocu.enta$5 e%i ence K6asL also p$esente K&L B B B KOLn Ap$il C# 9@@9# B B B KtheL ,u )e a6a$ e custo 5 pen ente lite of the chil to KC$isanto&L KTLhe O$ e$ pa$tl5 $ea B B BI YB B B C$isanto Rafaelito *ualbe$to V testifie & !e state that K,o5cel5nL too> thei$ .ino$ chil 6ith he$ to Ca.ina6it# San ,ose# Occi ental Min o$o& At that ti.e# the .ino$ 6as en$olle at 0&F& !o.es# Pa$aNa8ue Cit5& Despite effo$tKsL eBe$te b5 hi.# he has faile to see his chil & K,o5cel5nL an the chil a$e at p$esent sta5in) 6ith the fo$.e$Ts step7fathe$ at the latte$Ts K$esi enceL at Ca.ina6it# San ,ose# Occi ental Min o$o&

YRenato Santos# P$esi ent of "nite Secu$it5 Lo)istic testifie that he 6as co..issione b5 KC$isantoL to con uct su$%eillance on K,o5cel5nL an ca.e up 6ith the conclusion that KsheL is ha%in) lesbian $elations 6ith one No$een *a5 Cui a ano in Cebu Cit5& YThe fin in)s of Renato Santos K6e$eL co$$obo$ate b5 Che$$5 0atistel# a house helpe$ of the spouses 6ho state that Kthe .othe$L oes not ca$e fo$ the chil as she %e$5 often )oes out of the house an on one occasion# she sa6 K,o5cel5nL slappin) the chil & YA$t& 911 of the Fa.il5 Co e p$o%i es as follo6sI YThe fathe$ an the .othe$ shall ;ointl5 eBe$cise pa$ental autho$it5 o%e$ the pe$sons of thei$ chil $en& In the case of isa)$ee.ent# the fathe$Ts ecision shall p$e%ail# unless the$e is a ;u icial o$ e$ to the cont$a$5&T YThe autho$it5 of the fathe$ an .othe$ o%e$ thei$ chil $en is eBe$cise ;ointl5& This $eco)nition# ho6e%e$# oes not place he$ in eBactl5 the sa.e place as the fathe$3 he$ autho$it5 is subo$ inate to that of the fathe$& YIn all cont$o%e$sies $e)a$ in) the custo 5 of .ino$s# the sole an fo$e.ost consi e$ation is the ph5sical# e ucational# social an .o$al 6elfa$e of the chil # ta>in) into account the $especti%e $esou$ces an social an .o$al situations of the conten in) pa$ties& YThe Cou$t belie%es that K,o5cel5nL ha no $eason to ta>e the chil 6ith he$& Mo$eo%e$# pe$ She$iff $etu$ns# she is not 6ith hi. at Ca.ina6it# San ,ose# Occi ental Min o$o& Y2!EREFORE# pen ente lite# the Cou$t he$eb5 a6a$ s custo 5 of the .ino$# C$isanto Rafaello P& *ualbe$to D to his fathe$# C$isanto Rafaelito *& *ualbe$to V&T AB B B KOLn Ap$il 1=# 9@@9# the hea$in) of K,o5cel5nTsL .otion to lift the a6a$ of custo 5 pen ente lite of the chil to KC$isantoL 6as set but the fo$.e$ i not alle)e l5 p$esent an5 e%i ence to suppo$t he$ .otion& !o6e%e$# on Ma5 1G# 9@@9# KtheL ,u )e alle)e l5 issue the assaile O$ e$ $e%e$sin) he$ O$ e$ of Ap$il C# 9@@9 an this ti.e a6a$ in) custo 5 of the chil to K,o5cel5nL& KTLhe enti$e teBt of the O$ e$ KisL he$ein $ep$o uce # to 6itI YSub.itte is KC$isantoTsL Motion to Resol%e P$a5e$ fo$ Custo 5 Pen ente Lite an K,o5cel5nTsL Motion to Dis.iss an the $especti%e Oppositions the$eto& YK,o5cel5nL# in he$ Motion to Dis.iss# .a>es issue of the fact that the pe$son $efe$$e to in the caption of the Petition is one ,OCEL'N Pablo *ualbe$to an not ,o5cel5n Pablo *ualbe$to& K,o5cel5nL >no6s she is the pe$son $efe$$e to in the Co.plaint& As a .atte$ of fact# the bo 5 of the Co.plaint states he$ na.e co$$ectKl5L& The la6 is inten e to facilitate an p$o.ote the a .inist$ation of ;ustice# not to hin e$ o$ ela5 it& Liti)ation shoul be p$acticable an con%enient& The e$$o$ in the na.e of ,o5cel5n oes not in%ol%e public polic5 an has not p$e;u ice Khe$L& YThis case 6as file on Ma$ch 19# 9@@9& Se%e$al atte.pts 6e$e .a e to se$%e su..ons on K,o5cel5nL as sho6n b5 the She$iffTs $etu$ns& It appea$s that on the Eth atte.pt on Ma$ch 91# 9@@9# both Ma& Dais5 an B B B Ronnie Nolasco# K,o5cel5nTs .othe$ an stepfathe$# $especti%el5#L $ea the contents of the ocu.ents p$esente afte$ 6hich the5 $etu$ne the sa.e&
la6phil&net

YThe Cou$t belie%es that on that a5# su..ons 6as ul5 se$%e an this Cou$t ac8ui$e ;u$is iction o%e$ K,o5cel5nL& YThe filin) of K,o5cel5nTs annul.entL case on Ma$ch 9=# 9@@9 6as an afte$ thou)ht# pe$fo$ce the Motion to KDLis.iss shoul be enie & YThe chil sub;ect of this Petition# C$isanto Rafaello P& *ualbe$to is ba$el5 fou$ 5ea$s ol & "n e$ A$ticle 91C of the Fa.il5 Co e# he shall not be sepa$ate f$o. his .othe$ unless the Cou$t fin s co.pellin) $easons to o$ e$ othe$6ise& The Cou$t fin s the $eason state b5 KC$isantoL not KtoL be co.pellin) $easons& The fathe$ shoul ho6e%e$ be entitle to spen ti.e 6ith the .ino$& These o not appea$ co.pellin) $easons to ep$i%e hi. of the co.pan5 of his chil &
1a%%phil&+6Z

Y2hen K,o5cel5nL appea$e befo$e this Cou$t# she state that she has no ob;ection to the fathe$ %isitin) the chil e%en e%e$5 a5 p$o%i e it is in Min o$o& YThe Cou$t he$eb5 )$ants the .othe$# K,o5cel5nL# the custo 5 of C$isanto Rafaello P& *ualbe$to# 6ith KtheL $i)ht of KC$isantoL to ha%e the chil 6ith hi. e%e$5 othe$ 6ee>en & Y2!EREFOREI 1& The KMLotion to Dis.iss is he$eb5 DENIED3 9& Custo 5 pen ente lite is he$eb5 )i%en to the .othe$ ,o5cel5n Pablo *ualbe$to 6ith the $i)ht of the fathe$# B B B KC$isantoL# to ha%e hi. e%e$5 othe$ 6ee>7en & C& Pa$ties a$e a .onishe not to use an5 othe$ a)encies of the )o%e$n.ent li>e the CID* to inte$fe$e in this case an to ha$ass the pa$ties&TA= In a Petition fo$ CertiorariG befo$e the CA# C$isanto cha$)e the Re)ional T$ial Cou$t :0$anch 9=@< of Pa$aNa8ue Cit5 6ith )$a%e abuse of isc$etion fo$ issuin) its afo$e8uote Ma5 1G# 9@@9 O$ e$& !e alle)e that this O$ e$ supe$se e # 6ithout an5 factual o$ le)al basis# the still %ali an subsistin) Ap$il C# 9@@9 O$ e$ a6a$ in) hi. custo 5 pendente lite of his .ino$ son3 an that it %iolate Section 1E of A$ticle VII of the 1HFG Constitution& Rulin) of the Cou$t of Appeals Pa$tl5 in C$isantoTs fa%o$# the CA $ule that )$a%e abuse of isc$etion ha been co..itte b5 the t$ial cou$t in $e%e$sin) the latte$ cou$tTs p$e%ious O$ e$ ate Ap$il C# 9@@9# b5 issuin) the assaile Ma5 1G# 9@@9 O$ e$& The appellate cou$t eBplaine that the onl5 inci ent to $esol%e 6as ,o5cel5nTs Motion to Dis.iss# not the issuance of the ea$lie$ O$ e$& Acco$ in) to the CA# the p$io$ O$ e$ a6a$ in) p$o%isional custo 5 to the fathe$ shoul p$e%ail# not onl5 because it 6as issue afte$ a hea$in)# but also because the t$ial cou$t i not $esol%e the co$$ect inci ent in the late$ O$ e$& Nonetheless# the CA st$esse that the t$ial cou$t ;u )e 6as not p$eclu e f$o. consi e$in) an $esol%in) ,o5cel5nTs Motion to lift the a6a$ of custo 5 pendente lite to C$isanto# as that Motion ha 5et to be p$ope$l5 consi e$e an $ule upon& !o6e%e$# it i$ecte that the chil be tu$ne o%e$ to hi. until the issue 6as $esol%e & !ence# these Petitions&F

Issues In *R No& 1?EHHE# Petitione$ ,o5cel5n sub.its these issues fo$ ou$ consi e$ationI A1& 2hethe$ o$ not the Respon ent Cou$t of Appeals# 6hen it a6a$ e the custo 5 of the chil to the fathe$# %iolate A$t& 91C of the Fa.il5 Co e# 6hich .an ates that Yno chil un e$ se%en 5ea$s of a)e shall be sepa$ate f$o. the .othe$# unless the cou$t fin s co.pellin) $easons to o$ e$ othe$6ise&T A9& Is it A$ticle 91C o$ A$ticle 911 6hich applies in this case in%ol%in) fou$75ea$ ol RafaelloJA H On the othe$ han # C$isanto $aises the follo6in) issuesI AA& Di Respon ent Cou$t co..it )$a%e abuse of isc$etion a.ountin) to o$ in eBcess of ;u$is iction 6hen# in its Au)ust C@# 9@@9 Decision# it o$ e$e $espon ent cou$tM,u )e Yto consi e$# hea$ an $esol%e the .otion to lift a6a$ of custo 5 pen ente lite of the chil to petitione$ an B B B enie the .otion fo$ $econsi e$ation the$eof in its No%e.be$ 9G# 9@@9 Resolution# consi e$in) thatI :1< the$e is no such .otion e%e$# then o$ no6 pen in)# 6ith the cou$t a 8uo3 :9< the No%e.be$ 9G# 9@@9 Resolution is unconstitutional3 an :C< the Ap$il C# 9@@9 O$ e$ of $espon ent ,u )e# the %ali it5 of 6hich has been uphel in the Au)ust C@# 9@@9 Decision of the $espon ent Cou$t# has beco.e final an eBecuto$53 an A0& Ou)ht not the ancilla$5 $e.e ies KoLf habeas co$pus# because the 6he$eabouts# ph5sical an .ental con ition of the ille)all5 etaine Mino$ Rafaello is no6 un>no6n to petitione$ an p$eli.ina$5 .an ato$5 in;unction 6ith u$)ent p$a5e$ fo$ i..e iate issuance of p$eli.ina$5 Kin;unctionL# petitione$ ha%in) a clea$ an settle $i)ht to custo 5 of Mino$ Rafaello 6hich has been %iolate an still is bein) continuousl5 %iolate b5 Kpetitione$ ,o5cel5nL# be )$ante b5 this !ono$able Cou$tJA1@ 0ein) inte$$elate # the p$oce u$al challen)es an the substanti%e issues in the t6o Petitions 6ill be a $esse ;ointl5& The Cou$tTs Rulin) The$e is .e$it in the Petition in *R No& 1?EHHE# but not in *R No& 1?=9?E& P$eli.ina$5 IssueI -"e &lleged Pre+aturit# of t"e Petition in (R )o. 9D:==: 0efo$e )oin) into the .e$its of the p$esent cont$o%e$s5# the Cou$t shall fi$st ispose of a th$eshol issue& In *R No& 1?EHHE# the$ein Respon ent C$isanto conten s that the Petition fo$ Re%ie6 6as file be5on the ea line :Octobe$ 9E# 9@@9< allo6e b5 the Rules of Cou$t an b5 this Cou$t& !e clai.s that Re)ist$5 0ill No& FF sho6s that the Petition 6as sent b5 spee .ail# onl5 on No%e.be$ E# 9@@9& Fu$the$.o$e# he assails the Petition fo$ its p$e.atu$it5# since his Motion fo$ Pa$tial Reconsi e$ation of the Au)ust C@# 9@@9 CA Decision 6as still pen in) befo$e the appellate cou$t& Thus# he a$)ues that the Sup$e.e Cou$t has no ;u$is iction o%e$ ,o5cel5nTs Petition& -i+eliness of t"e Petition

The .anne$ of filin) an se$%ice ,o5cel5nTs Petition b5 .ail is )o%e$ne b5 Sections C an G of Rule 1C of the Rules of Cou$t# 6hich 6e 8uoteI ASEC& C& Manner of filing. U The filin) of plea in)s# appea$ances# .otions# notices# o$ e$s# ;u ).ents an all othe$ pape$s shall be .a e b5 p$esentin) the o$i)inal copies the$eof# plainl5 in icate as such pe$sonall5 to the cle$> of cou$t o$ b5 sen in) the. b5 $e)iste$e .ail& BBB In the secon case# t"e date of +ailing of +otions, pleadings and ot"er papers or pa#+ents or deposits, as s"o.n # t"e post office sta+p on t"e envelope or t"e registr# receipt, s"all e considered as t"e date of t"eir filing, pa#+ent, or deposit in court. The en%elope shall be attache to the $eco$ s of the case& AB B B B B B B B B ASEC& G& 5ervice # +ail. U Se$%ice b5 $e)iste$e .ail shall be .a e b5 epositin) the cop5 in the office# in a seale en%elope# plainl5 a $esse to the pa$t5 o$ his counsel at his office# if >no6n# othe$6ise at his $esi ence# if >no6n# 6ith posta)e full5 p$e7pai # an 6ith inst$uctions to the post.aste$ to $etu$n the .ail to the sen e$ afte$ ten :1@< a5s if un eli%e$e & If no $e)ist$5 se$%ice is a%ailable in the localit5 of eithe$ the sen e$ of the a $essee# se$%ice .a5 be one b5 o$ ina$5 .ail& :Italics supplie < The $eco$ s isclose that ,o5cel5n $ecei%e the CATs Au)ust C@# 9@@9 Decision on Septe.be$ H# 9@@9& On Septe.be$ 1G# she file befo$e this Cou$t a Motion fo$ a C@7 a5 eBtension of ti.e to file a petition fo$ $e%ie6 on ce$tio$a$i& This Motion 6as )$ante # 11 an the ea line 6as thus eBten e until Octobe$ 9E# 9@@9& A fu$the$ pe$usal of the $eco$ s $e%eals that copies of the Petition 6e$e sent to this Cou$t an to the pa$ties b5 $e)iste$e .ail19 at the 0iNan# La)una Post Office on Octobe$ 9E# 9@@9& This is the ate clea$l5 sta.pe on the face of the en%elope1C an atteste to in the Affi a%it of Se$%ice1E acco.pan5in) the Petition& Petitione$ ,o5cel5n eBplaine that the filin) an the se$%ice ha been .a e b5 $e)iste$e .ail ue to the A%olu.e of eli%e$5 assi)n.ents an the lac> of a $e)ula$ .essen)e$&A1? The Petition is# the$efo$e# consi e$e to ha%e been file on Octobe$ 9E# 9@@9# its .ailin) ate as sho6n b5 the post office sta.p on the en%elope& The last sentence of Section C of Rule 1C of the Rules p$o%i es that the ate of filin) .a5 be sho6n eit"er b5 the post office sta.p on the en%elope or b5 the $e)ist$5 $eceipt& P$oof of its filin)# on the othe$ han # is sho6n b5 the eBistence of the petition in the $eco$ # pu$suant to Section 19 of Rule 1C&1= The post.aste$ satisfacto$il5 cla$ifies that Re)ist$5 0ill No& FF# 6hich sho6s the ate No%e.be$ 9# 9@@9# .e$el5 iscloses 6hen the .ail .atte$s $ecei%e b5 the 0iNan Post Office on Octobe$ 9E# 9@@9# 6e$e ispatche o$ sent to the Cent$al Mail EBchan)e fo$ ist$ibution to thei$ final estinations&1G The Re)ist$5 0ill oes not $eflect the actual .ailin) ate& Instea # it is the postal Re)ist$ation 0oo>1F that sho6s the list of .ail .atte$s that ha%e been $e)iste$e fo$ .ailin) on a pa$ticula$ a5# alon) 6ith the na.es of the sen e$s an the a $essees& That boo> sho6s that Re)ist$5 Receipt Nos& 9FC97A an 9FC970# pe$tainin) to the .aile .atte$s fo$ the Sup$e.e Cou$t# 6e$e issue on Octobe$ 9E# 9@@9& Pre+aturit# of t"e Petition

As to the alle)e p$e.atu$it5 of the Petition of ,o5cel5n# C$isanto points out that his "$)ent Motion fo$ Pa$tial Reconsi e$ation1H 6as still a6aitin) $esolution b5 the CA 6hen she file he$ Petition befo$e this Cou$t on Octobe$ 9E# 9@@9& The CA $ule on the Motion onl5 on No%e.be$ 9G# 9@@9& The $eco$ s sho6# ho6e%e$# that the Motion of C$isanto 6as +ailed onl5 on Septe.be$ 19# 9@@9& Thus# on Septe.be$ 1G# 9@@9# 6hen ,o5cel5n file he$ Motion fo$ EBtension of Ti.e to file he$ Petition fo$ Re%ie6# she .i)ht ha%e still been una6a$e that he ha .o%e fo$ a pa$tial $econsi e$ation of the Au)ust 9@# 9@@9 CA Decision& Ne%e$theless# upon bein) notifie of the filin) of his Motion# she shoul ha%e .anifeste that fact to this Cou$t& 2ith the CATs final enial of C$isantoTs Motion fo$ Reconsi e$ation# ,o5cel5nTs lapse .a5 be eBcuse in the inte$est of $esol%in) the substanti%e issues $aise b5 the pa$ties& Fi$st IssueI (rave & use of Discretion In *R No& 1?=9?E# C$isanto sub.its that the CA )$a%el5 abuse its isc$etion 6hen it o$ e$e the t$ial cou$t ;u )e to Aconsi e$# hea$ an $esol%e the .otion to lift the a6a$ of custo 5 pendente liteA 6ithout an5 p$ope$ .otion b5 ,o5cel5n an afte$ the Ap$il C# 9@@9 O$ e$ of the t$ial cou$t ha beco.e final an eBecuto$5& The CA is also cha$)e 6ith )$a%e abuse of isc$etion fo$ en5in) his Motion fo$ Pa$tial Reconsi e$ation 6ithout statin) the $easons fo$ the enial# alle)e l5 in cont$a%ention of Section 1 of Rule C= of the Rules of Cou$t& -"e 6rder to 7ear t"e Motion to %ift t"e &.ard of Custod# Pendente %ite Proper To be)in 6ith# )$a%e abuse of isc$etion is co..itte 6hen an act is 1< one cont$a$5 to the Constitution# the la6 o$ ;u$isp$u ence39@ o$ 9< eBecute A6hi.sicall5 o$ a$bit$a$il5A in a .anne$ Aso patent an so )$oss as to a.ount to an e%asion of a positi%e ut5# o$ to a %i$tual $efusal to pe$fo$. the ut5 en;oine &A91 2hat constitutes )$a%e abuse of isc$etion is such cap$icious an a$bit$a$5 eBe$cise of ;u ).ent as that 6hich is e8ui%alent# in the e5es of the la6# to lac> of ;u$is iction& 99 On the basis of these c$ite$ia# 6e hol that the CA i not co..it )$a%e abuse of isc$etion& First# the$e can be no 8uestion that a cou$t of co.petent ;u$is iction is %este 6ith the autho$it5 to $esol%e e%en unassi)ne issues& It can o so 6hen such a step is in ispensable o$ necessa$5 to a ;ust $esolution of issues $aise in a pa$ticula$ plea in) o$ 6hen the unassi)ne issues a$e ineBt$icabl5 lin>e o$ )e$.ane to those that ha%e been plea e & 9C This t$uis. applies 6ith .o$e fo$ce 6hen the $elief )$ante has been specificall5 p$a5e fo$# as in this case& EBplicit in the Motion to Dis.iss9E file b5 ,o5cel5n befo$e the RTC is he$ ancilla$5 p$a5e$ fo$ the cou$t to lift an set asi e its Ap$il C# 9@@9 O$ e$ a6a$ in) to C$isanto custo 5 pendente lite of thei$ .ino$ son& In ee # the necessa$5 conse8uence of )$antin) he$ Motion to Dis.iss 6oul ha%e been the settin) asi e of the O$ e$ a6a$ in) C$isanto p$o%isional custo 5 of the chil & 0esi es# e%en if the Motion to Dis.iss 6as enie 77 as in ee it 6as 77 the t$ial cou$t# in its isc$etion an if 6a$$ante # coul still ha%e )$ante the ancilla$5 p$a5e$ as an alte$nati%e $elief& Pa$entheticall5# ,o5cel5nTs Motion nee not ha%e been %e$ifie because of the p$o%isional natu$e of the Ap$il C# 9@@9 O$ e$& "n e$ Rule CF9? of the Rules of Cou$t# %e$ification is $e8ui$e onl5 6hen $elief

is sou)ht f$o. a final an eBecuto$5 O$ e$& Acco$ in)l5# the cou$t .a5 set asi e its o6n o$ e$s e%en 6ithout a p$ope$ .otion# 6hene%e$ such action is 6a$$ante b5 the Rules an to p$e%ent a .isca$$ia)e of ;ustice&9= Denial of t"e Motion for Reconsideration Proper 5econd# the $e8ui$e.ent in Section 1 of Rule C= :fo$ ;u )es to state clea$l5 an istinctl5 the $easons fo$ thei$ ispositions< $efe$s onl5 to ecisions an final o$ e$s on t"e +erits, not to those $esol%in) inci ental .atte$s&9GThe p$o%ision $ea sI ASECTION 1& Ren ition of ;u ).ents an final o$ e$s. U A /udg+ent or final order deter+ining t"e +erits of t"e case shall be in 6$itin) pe$sonall5 an i$ectl5 p$epa$e b5 the ;u )e# statin) clea$l5 an istinctl5 the facts an the la6 on 6hich it is base # si)ne b5 hi.# an file 6ith the cle$> of cou$t&A :Italics supplie < !e$e# the ecla$ation of the nullit5 of .a$$ia)e is the sub;ect of the .ain case# in 6hich the issue of custo 5pendente lite is an inci ent& That custo 5 an suppo$t of co..on chil $en .a5 be $ule upon b5 the cou$t 6hile the action is pending is p$o%i e in A$ticle EH of the Fa.il5 Co e# 6hich 6e 8uote I AA$t& EH& Du$in) the pen enc5 of the action9F an in the absence of a e8uate p$o%isions in a 6$itten a)$ee.ent bet6een the spouses# the Cou$t shall p$o%i e fo$ the suppo$t of the spouses an the custo 5 an suppo$t of thei$ co..on chil $en& B B B&A Clea$l5 then# the $e8ui$e.ent cite b5 C$isanto is inapplicable& In an5 e%ent# in its 8uestione Resolution# the CA clea$l5 state that it Acoul not fin an5 co)ent $easonA to $econsi e$ an set asi e the assaile po$tion of its Au)ust C@# 9@@9 Decision& -"e &pril >, EFFE 6rder )ot Final and $*ecutor# -"ird# the a6a$ of te.po$a$5 custo 5# as the te$. i.plies# is p$o%isional an sub;ect to chan)e as ci$cu.stances .a5 6a$$ant& In this connection# the$e is no nee fo$ a len)th5 iscussion of the alle)e finalit5 of the Ap$il C# 9@@9 RTC O$ e$ )$antin) C$isanto te.po$a$5 custo 5 of his son& Fo$ that .atte$# e%en the a6a$ of chil custo 5 afte$ a ;u ).ent on a .a$$ia)e annul.ent is not pe$.anent3 it .a5 be $eeBa.ine an a ;uste if an 6hen the pa$ent 6ho 6as )i%en custo 5 beco.es unfit&9H Secon IssueI Custod# of a Minor C"ild 2hen lo%e is lost bet6een spouses an the .a$$ia)e ine%itabl5 $esults in sepa$ation# the bitte$est tussle is often o%e$ the custo 5 of thei$ chil $en& The Cou$t is no6 tas>e to settle the opposin) clai.s of the pa$ents fo$ custo 5pendente lite of thei$ chil 6ho is less than se%en 5ea$s ol &C@ On the one han # the .othe$ insists that# base on A$ticle 91C of the Fa.il5 Co e# he$ .ino$ chil cannot be sepa$ate f$o. he$& On the othe$ han # the fathe$ a$)ues that she is AunfitA to ta>e ca$e of thei$ son3 hence# fo$ Aco.pellin) $easons#A he .ust be a6a$ e custo 5 of the chil & A$ticle 91C of the Fa.il5 Co eC1 p$o%i esI

AART& 91C& In case of sepa$ation of the pa$ents# pa$ental autho$it5 shall be eBe$cise b5 the pa$ent esi)nate b5 the cou$t& The cou$t shall ta>e into account all $ele%ant consi e$ations# especiall5 the choice of the chil o%e$ se%en 5ea$s of a)e# unless the pa$ent chosen is unfit& No chil un e$ se%en 5ea$s of a)e shall be sepa$ate f$o. the .othe$# unless the cou$t fin s co.pellin) $easons to o$ e$ othe$6ise&A This Cou$t has hel that 6hen the pa$ents a$e sepa$ate # le)all5 o$ othe$6ise# the fo$e)oin) p$o%ision )o%e$ns the custo 5 of thei$ chil &C9 A$ticle 91C ta>es its bea$in) f$o. A$ticle C=C of the Ci%il Co e# 6hich $ea sI AA$t& C=C& In all 8uestions on the ca$e# custo 5# e ucation an p$ope$t5 of chil $en# the latte$Ts 6elfa$e shall be pa$a.ount& )o +ot"er s"all e separated fro+ "er c"ild under seven #ears of age, unless t"e court finds co+pelling reasons for suc" +easure. A:Italics supplie < The )ene$al $ule that chil $en un e$ se%en 5ea$s of a)e shall not be sepa$ate f$o. thei$ .othe$ fin s its raison d8etre in the basic nee of .ino$ chil $en fo$ thei$ .othe$Ts lo%in) ca$e& CC In eBplainin) the $ationale fo$ A$ticle C=C of the Ci%il Co e# the Co e Co..ission st$esse thusI AThe )ene$al $ule is $eco..en e in o$ e$ to a%oi a t$a)e 5 6he$e a .othe$ has seen he$ bab5 to$n a6a5 f$o. he$& No .an can soun the eep so$$o6s of a .othe$ 6ho is ep$i%e of he$ chil of ten e$ a)e& The eBception allo6e b5 the $ule has to be fo$ Yco.pellin) $easonsT fo$ the )oo of the chil I those cases .ust in ee be $a$e# if the .othe$Ts hea$t is not to be un ul5 hu$t& If she has e$$e # as in cases of a ulte$5# the penalt5 of i.p$ison.ent an the :$elati%e< i%o$ce ec$ee 6ill o$ ina$il5 be sufficient punish.ent fo$ he$& Mo$eo%e$# he$ .o$al e$eliction 6ill not ha%e an5 effect upon the bab5 6ho is as 5et unable to un e$stan the situation&A :Repo$t of the Co e Co..ission# p& 19< A si.ila$ p$o%ision is e.bo ie in A$ticle F of the Chil an 'outh 2elfa$e Co e :P$esi ential Dec$ee No& =@C<&CEA$ticle 1G of the sa.e Co e is e%en .o$e eBplicit in p$o%i in) fo$ the chil Ts custo 5 un e$ %a$ious ci$cu.stances# specificall5 in case the pa$ents a$e sepa$ate & It clea$l5 .an ates that Ano chil un e$ fi%e 5ea$s of a)e shall be sepa$ate f$o. his .othe$# unless the cou$t fin s co.pellin) $easons to o so&A The p$o%ision is $ep$o uce in its enti$et5 as follo6sI AA$t& 1G& ,oint Pa$ental Autho$it5& U The fathe$ an the .othe$ shall eBe$cise ;ointl5 ;ust an $easonable pa$ental autho$it5 an $esponsibilit5 o%e$ thei$ le)iti.ate o$ a opte chil $en& In case of isa)$ee.ent# the fathe$Ts ecision shall p$e%ail unless the$e is a ;u icial o$ e$ to the cont$a$5& AIn case of the absence o$ eath of eithe$ pa$ent# the p$esent o$ su$%i%in) pa$ent shall continue to eBe$cise pa$ental autho$it5 o%e$ such chil $en# unless in case of the su$%i%in) pa$entTs $e.a$$ia)e# the cou$t fo$ ;ustifiable $easons# appoints anothe$ pe$son as )ua$ ian& A0n case of separation of "is parents, no c"ild under five #ears of age s"all e separated fro+ "is +ot"er, unless t"e court finds co+pelling reasons to do so.A :Italics supplie < The abo%e .an ates $e%e$be$ate in A$ticles 911# 919 an 91C of the Fa.il5 Co e& It is un.ista>able f$o. the lan)ua)e of these p$o%isions that A$ticle 911C? 6as e$i%e f$o. the fi$st sentence of the afo$e8uote A$ticle 1G3 A$ticle 919#C= f$o. the secon sentence3 an A$ticle 91C#CG sa%e fo$ a fe6

a itions# f$o. the thi$ sentence& It shoul be note that the Fa.il5 Co e has $e%e$te to the Ci%il Co e p$o%ision .an atin) that a chil belo6 seven5ea$s shoul not be sepa$ate f$o. the .othe$&CF Mandator# C"aracter of &rticle E9> of t"e Fa+il# Code In %acson v. 5an Jose'%acson#CH the Cou$t hel that the use of AshallA in A$ticle C=C of the Ci%il Co e an the obse$%ations .a e b5 the Co e Co..ission un e$sco$e the .an ato$5 cha$acte$ of the 6o$ &E@ !ol in) in that case that it 6as a .ista>e to ep$i%e the .othe$ of custo 5 of he$ t6o chil $en# both then belo6 the a)e of se%en# the Cou$t st$esse I AKA$ticle C=CL p$ohibits in no unce$tain te$.s the sepa$ation of a .othe$ an he$ chil belo6 se%en 5ea$s# unless such a sepa$ation is )$oun e upon co.pellin) $easons as ete$.ine b5 a cou$t&A E1 In li>e .anne$# the 6o$ AshallA in A$ticle 91C of the Fa.il5 Co e an Section = E9 of Rule HH of the Rules of Cou$t has been hel to connote a .an ato$5 cha$acte$& EC A$ticle 91C an Rule HH si.ila$l5 conte.plate a situation in 6hich the pa$ents of the .ino$ a$e .a$$ie to each othe$# but a$e sepa$ate b5 %i$tue of eithe$ a ec$ee of le)al sepa$ation o$ a e facto sepa$ation& EE In the p$esent case# the pa$ents a$e li%in) sepa$atel5 as a .atte$ of fact& -"e Best 0nterest of t"e C"ild a Pri+ar# Consideration The Con%ention on the Ri)hts of the Chil p$o%i es that AKiLn all actions conce$nin) chil $en# 6hethe$ un e$ta>en b5 public o$ p$i%ate social 6elfa$e institutions# cou$ts of la6# a .inist$ati%e autho$ities o$ le)islati%e bo ies# the est interests of t"e c"ild shall be a p$i.a$5 consi e$ation&AE? The p$inciple of Abest inte$est of the chil A pe$%a es Philippine cases in%ol%in) a option# )ua$ ianship# suppo$t# pe$sonal status# .ino$s in conflict 6ith the la6# an chil custo 5& In these cases# it has lon) been $eco)ni+e that in choosin) the pa$ent to 6ho. custo 5 is )i%en# the 6elfa$e of the .ino$s shoul al6a5s be the pa$a.ount consi e$ation&E= Cou$ts a$e .an ate to ta>e into account all $ele%ant ci$cu.stances that 6oul ha%e a bea$in) on the chil $enTs 6ell7bein) an e%elop.ent& Asi e f$o. the .ate$ial $esou$ces an the .o$al an social situations of each pa$ent# othe$ facto$s .a5 also be consi e$e to asce$tain 6hich one has the capabilit5 to atten to the ph5sical# e ucational# social an .o$al 6elfa$e of the chil $en&EG A.on) these facto$s a$e the p$e%ious ca$e an e%otion sho6n b5 each of the pa$ents3 thei$ $eli)ious bac>)$oun # .o$al up$i)htness# ho.e en%i$on.ent an ti.e a%ailabilit53 as 6ell as the chil $enTs e.otional an e ucational nee s -ender'&ge Presu+ption As pointe out ea$lie$# the$e is eBp$ess statuto$5 $eco)nition that# as a )ene$al $ule# a .othe$ is to be p$efe$$e in a6a$ in) custo 5 of chil $en un e$ the a)e of se%en& The ca%eat in A$ticle 91C of the Fa.il5 Co e cannot be i)no$e # eBcept 6hen the cou$t fin s cause to o$ e$ othe$6ise& EF The so7calle Gtender'age presu+ptionG un e$ A$ticle 91C of the Fa.il5 Co e .a5 be o%e$co.e onl5 b5co+pelling e%i ence of the .othe$Ts unfitness& The .othe$ has been ecla$e unsuitable to ha%e custo 5 of he$ chil $en in one o$ .o$e of the follo6in) instancesI ne)lect# aban on.ent# une.plo5.ent# i..o$alit5# habitual $un>enness# $u) a iction# .alt$eat.ent of the chil # insanit5 o$ affliction 6ith a co..unicable isease&EH

!e$e# C$isanto cites i..o$alit5 ue to alle)e lesbian $elations as the co.pellin) $eason to ep$i%e ,o5cel5n of custo 5& It has in ee been hel that un e$ ce$tain ci$cu.stances# the .othe$Ts i..o$al con uct .a5 constitute a co.pellin) $eason to ep$i%e he$ of custo 5& ?@ 0ut seBual p$efe$ence o$ .o$al laBit5 alone oes not p$o%e pa$ental ne)lect o$ inco.petence& Not e%en the fact that a .othe$ is a p$ostitute o$ has been unfaithful to he$ husban 6oul $en e$ he$ unfit to ha%e custo 5 of he$ .ino$ chil &?1 To ep$i%e the 6ife of custo 5# the husban .ust clea$l5 establish that he$ .o$al lapses ha%e ha an a %e$se effect on the 6elfa$e of the chil o$ ha%e ist$acte the offen in) spouse f$o. eBe$cisin) p$ope$ pa$ental ca$e&?9 To this effect i the Cou$t $ule in Unson 000 v. )avarro,?C 6he$ein the .othe$ 6as openl5 li%in) 6ith he$ b$othe$7in7la6# the chil Ts uncle& "n e$ that ci$cu.stance# the Cou$t ee.e it in the nine75ea$7 ol chil Ts best inte$est to f$ee he$ Af$o. the ob%iousl5 un6holeso.e# not to sa5 i..o$al influence# that the situation in 6hich the .othe$ haK L place he$self .i)ht c$eate in Kthe chil TsL .o$al an social outloo>&A?E In $spiritu v. C&#?? the Cou$t too> into account ps5cholo)ical an case stu 5 $epo$ts on the chil # 6hose feelin)s of insecu$it5 an anBiet5 ha been t$ace to st$on) conflicts 6ith the .othe$& To the ps5cholo)ist the chil $e%eale # a.on) othe$ thin)s# that the latte$ 6as istu$be upon seein) Ahe$ .othe$ hu))in) an >issin) a Yba T .an 6ho li%e in thei$ house an 6o$>e fo$ he$ fathe$&A The Cou$t hel that the Aillicit o$ i..o$al acti%ities of the .othe$ ha al$ea 5 cause the chil e.otional istu$bances# pe$sonalit5 conflicts# an eBposu$e to conflictin) .o$al %alues B B B&A 0ase on the abo%e ;u$isp$u ence# it is the$efo$e not enou)h fo$ C$isanto to sho6 .e$el5 that ,o5cel5n 6as a lesbian& !e .ust also e.onst$ate that she ca$$ie on he$ pu$po$te $elationship 6ith a pe$son of the sa.e seB in the p$esence of thei$ son o$ un e$ ci$cu.stances not con uci%e to the chil Ts p$ope$ .o$al e%elop.ent& Such a fact has not been sho6n he$e& The$e is no e%i ence that the son 6as eBpose to the .othe$Ts alle)e seBual p$ocli%ities o$ that his p$ope$ .o$al an ps5cholo)ical e%elop.ent suffe$e as a $esult& Mo$eo%e$# it is 6o$th5 to note that the t$ial cou$t ;u )e# !elen 0autista7Ricafo$t# $ule in he$ Ma5 1G# 9@@9 O$ e$ that she ha foun the A$eason state b5 KC$isantoL not to be co.pellin)A ?= as to suffice as a )$oun fo$ sepa$atin) the chil f$o. his .othe$& The ;u )e .a e this conclusion afte$ pe$sonall5 obse$%in) the t6o of the.# both in the cou$t$oo. an in he$ cha.be$s on Ap$il 1=# 9@@9# an afte$ a chance to tal> to the bo5 an to obse$%e hi. fi$sthan & This assess.ent# base on he$ uni8ue oppo$tunit5 to 6itness the chil Ts beha%io$ in the p$esence of each pa$ent# shoul ca$$5 .o$e 6ei)ht than a .e$e $eliance on the $eco$ s& All tol # no co.pellin) $eason has been a uce to 6$ench the chil f$o. the .othe$Ts custo 5& )o (rant of 7a eas Corpus and Preli+inar# 0n/unction As 6e ha%e $ule that ,o5cel5n has the $i)ht to >eep he$ .ino$ son in he$ custo 5# the 6$it of habeas co$pus an the p$eli.ina$5 .an ato$5 in;unction p$a5e fo$ b5 C$isanto ha%e no le) to stan on& A 6$it of habeas co$pus .a5 be issue onl5 6hen the A$i)htful custo 5 of an5 pe$son is 6ithhel f$o. the pe$son entitle the$eto#A?G a situation that oes not appl5 he$e& On the othe$ han # the ancilla$5 $e.e 5 of p$eli.ina$5 .an ato$5 in;unction cannot be )$ante # because C$isantoTs $i)ht to custo 5 has not been p$o%en to be Aclea$ an un.ista>able&A ?F "nli>e an

o$ ina$5 p$eli.ina$5 in;unction# the 6$it of p$eli.ina$5 .an ato$5 in;unction is .o$e cautiousl5 $e)a$ e # since the latte$ $e8ui$es the pe$fo$.ance of a pa$ticula$ act that ten s to )o be5on the .aintenance of the status 8uo&?H 0esi es# such an in;unction 6oul se$%e no pu$pose# no6 that the case has been eci e on its .e$its&=@ <&ERE'ORE# the Petition in *R No& 1?EHHE is (R&)-$D. The assaile Decision of the Cou$t of Appeals is he$eb5 R$V$R5$D an the Ma5 1G# 9@@9 Re)ional T$ial Cou$t O$ e$ R$0)5-&-$D. The Petition in *R No& 1?=9?E is D05M055$D. Costs a)ainst Petitione$ C$isanto Rafaelito *ualbe$to V& SO ORDERED& Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT Manila EN 0ANC G.R. No. L-696March 14, 191-

"NES 'EL"C"$NO, petitione$7appellant# %s& EL"S$ C$M$&ORT, a .inist$at$iB7appellee& &. D. (i s for appellant. 7ausser+ann, Co"n and Fis"er for appellee. C$RSON, J.I This is an appeal f$o. the action on the Cou$t of Fi$st Instance of Manila in $e.o%in) the appellant Ines Feliciano# an appointin) one Manual Na%a$$o# as )ua$ ian of ce$tain .ino$ chil $en& In .atte$s of this natu$e a la$)e isc$etion .ust be allo6e the ;u )e 6ho eals i$ectl5 6ith the pa$ties# an 6ho# fo$ this $eason# shoul be eBceptionall5 6ell 8ualifie to fo$. a co$$ect opinion as to the special nee s of the .ino$s# the cha$acte$ an 8ualifications o$ pe$sons 6hose na.es a$e p$opose fo$ appoint.ent as )ua$ ian# an the 6ise an p$u ent cou$se to be a opte all the %a$5in) ci$cu.stances of each pa$ticula$ case& As a $ule# 6hen it appea$s# as it oes in this case# that the ;u )e has eBe$cise ca$e an ili)ence in selectin) the )ua$ ian# an has )i%en ue consi e$ation to the $easons fo$ an a)ainst his action 6hich a$e u$)e b5 the inte$este pa$ties# his action shoul not be istu$be unless it is .a e %e$5 clea$ that he has fallen into )$ie%ous e$$o$& In the case at ba$# 6e o not thin> that appellant has .a e such a sho6in)# an 6e o not belie%e the$efo$e# that he 6oul be ;ustifie in inte$fe$in) 6ith the appoint.ent .a e b5 the eBpe$ience ;u )e f$o. 6ho. this appeal has been ta>en& It .ust be a .itte that appellant .a>es a fai$l5 st$on) sho6in) in suppo$t of his contentions# an it .a5 e%en be a .itte that upon that sho6in)# so.e of us# at least# 6oul not ha%e follo6e the cou$se a opte b5 the t$ial ;u )e ha 6e been calle upon to act in this .atte$ o$i)inall53 but 6e a$e all a)$ee that the facts befo$e us a$e not sufficient to ;ustif5 us in hol in) that such an e$$o$ in the eBe$cise of his isc$etion 6as co..itte b5 the ;u )e belo6 as 6oul ;ustif5 us in $e%e$sin) the action ta>en b5 hi.& 2e the .o$e $ea il5 a opt

this %ie6# because# if it e%elops in the li)ht of futu$e e%ents that the )ua$ ian he$etofo$e appointe is not a fit pe$son# the 8uestion of his $e.o%al can a)ain be b$ou)ht to the attention of the cou$t belo6& The ec$ee ente$e in these p$ocee in)s in the cou$t belo6 is affi$.e # 6ith the costs of this instance a)ainst the appellant&