Leonen-written cases for 2020 Bar takers


Mario Victor "Marvic" F. Leonen is an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines. He is the second youngest to hold the said position since Manuel V. Moran in 1938. Prior to his stint in the country's highest court, he had served as chief peace negotiator of the Republic of the Philippines in the talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Leonen was dean of the University of the Philippines College of Law at Diliman from 2008 to 2011. He is well known in the fields of environmental activism and community organizing. SOURCE: https:/Marvic Leonen. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. /en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvic_Leonen

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[ G.R. No. 212683, November 12, 2018 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 212683, Nove
...[ G.R. No. 212683, November 12, 2018 ] JERSON E. TORTAL, PETITIONER, VS. CHIZURU TANIGUCHI, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: An allegation of a trial court's lack of jurisdiction to render the assailed judgment, ...
[ G.R. No. 204594, November 07, 2018 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 204594, Nove
...R. No. 204594, November 07, 2018 ] SINDOPHIL, INC., PETITIONER, VS. REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: The presumption that a holder of a Torrens title is an innocent purchaser for value ...
[ G.R. No. 205409, June 13, 2018 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 205409, June 13,
...R. No. 205409, June 13, 2018 ] CITIGROUP, INC., PETITIONER, VS. CITYSTATE SAVINGS BANK, INC. RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: This resolves a Petition for Review on Certiorari [1] assailing the August 29, 2012 Decision ...
[ G.R. No. 185484, June 27, 2018 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 185484, June 27,
...R. No. 185484, June 27, 2018 ] FRANCISCO I. CHAVEZ, PETITIONER, VS. IMELDA R. MARCOS, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: This Court will not require a judge to inhibit himself in the absence of clear ...
[ G.R. No. 201414, April 18, 2018 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 201414, April 1
...R. No. 201414, April 18, 2018 ] PEDRO PEREZ PETITIONER, VS. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Inserting a finger in a 12-year-old girl's vagina and mashing her breasts ...
[ G.R. No. 196795, March 07, 2018 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 196795, March 0
...R. No. 196795, March 07, 2018 ] INTRAMUROS ADMINISTRATION, PETITIONER, VS. OFFSHORE CONSTRUCTION DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, RESPONDENT. DECISIONLEONEN, J.: The sole issue in ejectment proceedings is determining which of the parties has the better ...
[ G.R. No. 208185, September 06, 2017 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 208185, Sep
...R. No. 208185, September 06, 2017 ] PRISCILLA ZAFRA ORBE, PETITIONER, VS. FILINVEST LAND, INC., RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: When Republic Act No. 6552 or the Maceda Law speaks of paying "at least two ...
[ G.R. No. 202364, August 30, 2017 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 202364, August
...R. No. 202364, August 30, 2017 ] ARTURO C. CALUBAD, PETITIONER, VS. RICARCEN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: When a corporation intentionally or negligently clothes its agent with apparent authority to act in ...
[ G.R. No. 192725, August 09, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 192725, Augus
...R. No. 192725, August 09, 2017 ] CE CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION, PETITIONER, VS. ARANETA CENTER INC., RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: A tribunal confronted not only with ambiguous contractual terms but also with the total absence ...
[ G.R. No. 214300, July 26, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 214300, July 26
...R. No. 214300, July 26, 2017 ] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PETITIONER, VS. MANUEL ESCOBAR, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: This Rule 45 Petition assails the Court of Appeals Decision to grant the accused's ...

[ G.R. No. 181489, April 19, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 181489, April
...R. No. 181489, April 19, 2017 ] STEVEN R. PAVLOW, PETITIONER, VS. CHERRY L. MENDENILLA, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: The mother of a victim of acts of violence against women and their children is ...
[ G.R. No. 207776, April 26, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 207776, April
...R. No. 207776, April 26, 2017 ] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PETITIONER, VS. GEORGE GACUSAN, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: The abuse of moral influence is the intimidation required in rape committed by the common- ...
[ G.R. No. 229862, June 19, 2019 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 229862, June 19,
...No. 229862, June 19, 2019 ] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. ZZZ, ACCUSED-APPELLANT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Recantations are viewed unfavorably especially in rape cases. Circumstances in which the recantation was made ...
[ G.R. No. 215545, January 07, 2019 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 215545, Janua
...No. 215545, January 07, 2019 ] QUIRINO T. DELA CRUZ, PETITIONER, VS. NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSION, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: This is a Petition for Review on Certiorari [1] assailing the June 27, 2014 Decision ...
[ G.R. No. 207711, July 02, 2018 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 207711, July 02,
...No. 207711, July 02, 2018 ] MARIA C. OSORIO PETITIONER, VS. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Persons who receive money for investment in a particular company but divert the same to ...
[ G.R. No. 205695, September 27, 2017 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 205695, Sep
...No. 205695, September 27, 2017 ] JESUS APARENTE Y PETITIONER, VS. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Where the amount of narcotics seized is miniscule, a stricter adherence to the requirements of ...
[ G.R. No. 213581, September 19, 2017 ] EN BANC [ G.R. No. 213581, September
...No. 213581, September 19, 2017 ] BANGKO SENTRAL NG PILIPINAS, PETITIONER, VS. COMMISSION ON AUDIT, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Due process in administrative proceedings does not require the submission of pleadings or a trial- ...
[ G.R. No. 232870, June 03, 2019 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 232870, June 03,
...232870, June 03, 2019 ] MANUEL G. ACOSTA, PETITIONER, VS. MATIERE SAS AND PHILIPPE GOUVARY, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: In redundancy, an employer must show that it applied fair and reasonable criteria in determining ...
[ G. R. No. 216632, March 13, 2019 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G. R. No. 216632, March
...216632, March 13, 2019 ] AUGUSTO REGALADO Y LAYLAY, PETITIONER, VS. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: This resolves a Petition for Review on Certiorari [1] assailing the Court of Appeals January ...
[ G.R. No. 210731, February 13, 2019 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 210731, Febr
...210731, February 13, 2019 ] SIMEON LAPI Y MAHIPUS, PETITIONER, VS. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: The right to question the validity of an arrest may be waived if the accused, ...

[ G.R. No. 217542, November 21, 2018 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 217542, Nove
...217542, November 21, 2018 ] CHRISTINE FERNANDEZ Y MEDINA, PETITIONER, VS. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: This is an extraordinary case involving the application of doctrines on violations of Republic Act ...
[ G.R. No. 210950, August 15, 2018 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 210950, August
...210950, August 15, 2018 ] MILAGROS P. ENRIQUEZ, PETITIONER, VS. THE MERCANTILE INSURANCE CO., INC., RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: A surety bond remains effective until the action or proceeding is finally decided, resolved, or ...
[ G.R. No. 211450, July 23, 2018 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 211450, July 23,
...211450, July 23, 2018 ] OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN, PETITIONER, VS. LOVING F. FETALVERO, JR., RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Complainants in administrative proceedings carry the burden of proving their allegations with substantial evidence or ...
[ G.R. No. 214886, April 04, 2018 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 214886, April 0
...214886, April 04, 2018 ] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. BERNIE CONCEPCION, ACCUSED-APPELLANT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: This resolves the appeal [1] from the Court of Appeals March 28, 2014 Decision, [2] ...
[ G.R. No. 185530, April 18, 2018 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 185530, April 1
...185530, April 18, 2018 ] MAKATI TUSCANY CONDOMINIUM CORPORATION, PETITIONER, VS. MULTI-REALTY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, RESPONDENT. DECISIONLEONEN, J.: Reformation of an instrument may be allowed if subsequent and contemporaneous acts of the parties ...
[ G.R. No. 227544, November 22, 2017 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 227544, Nove
...227544, November 22, 2017 ] COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, PETITIONER, VS. TRANSITIONS PHILIPPINES, OPTICAL INC., RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: Estoppel applies against a taxpayer who did not only raise at the earliest opportunity its ...
[ G.R. No. 206958, November 08, 2017 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 206958, Nove
...206958, November 08, 2017 ] PERSONAL COLLECTION DIRECT SELLING, INC., PETITIONER, VS. TERESITA L. CARANDANG, RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: Judges must act with cautious discernment and faithfully exercise their judicial discretion when dismissing cases ...
[ G.R. No. 197886, October 04, 2017 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 197886, Octob
...197886, October 04, 2017 ] OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN, PETITIONER, VS. ANTONIO Z. DE GUZMAN, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: The Postmaster General may only execute contracts for procurement of services with the Board of ...
[ G.R. No. 207396, August 09, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 207396, Augus
...207396, August 09, 2017 ] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. DELIA SAUNAR, ACCUSED-APPELLANT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: A miniscule amount of dangerous drugs alleged to have been taken from the accused is ...
[ G.R. No. 199710, August 02, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 199710, Augus
...199710, August 02, 2017 ] PEOPLE OF THE PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. PO3 JULIETO BORJA, ACCUSED-APPELLANT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: Extortion done by police themselves amounting to kidnapping with ransom undermines the government efforts to ...

[ G.R. No. 224102, July 26, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 224102, July 26
...224102, July 26, 2017 ] RYAN MARIANO Y GARCIA, PETITIONER, VS. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: The state of mind of the accused during an alleged act of self-defense, defense ...
[ G.R. No. 204544, July 03, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 204544, July 03
...204544, July 03, 2017 ] MARLON BACERRA Y TABONES, PETITIONER, VS. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: The identity of the perpetrator of a crime and a finding of guilt may rest ...
[ G.R. No. 194152, June 05, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 194152, June 05
...194152, June 05, 2017 ] MAKILITO B. MAHINAY, PETITIONER, VS. DURA TIRE & RUBBER INDUSTRIES, INC., RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: The period to redeem a property sold in an extrajudicial foreclosure sale is not extendible. ...
[ G.R. No. 200370, June 07, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 200370, June 07
...200370, June 07, 2017 ] MARIO VERIDIANO Y SAPI, PETITIONER, VS. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Through this Petition for Review on Certiorari , [1] Mario Veridiano y Sapi (Veridiano) assails the ...
[ G.R. No. 204262, June 07, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 204262, June 07
...204262, June 07, 2017 ] MARIO C. MADRIDEJOS, PETITIONER, VS. NYK-FIL SHIP MANAGEMENT, INC., RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Illnesses not listed as an occupational disease under Section 32 of the 2000 Philippine Overseas ...
[ G.R. No. 210266, June 07, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 210266, June 07
...210266, June 07, 2017 ] ANTHONY DE SILVA CRUZ, PETITIONER, VS. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: The possession and use of a counterfeit credit card is considered access device fraud and ...
[ G.R. No. 212161, March 29, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 212161, March
...212161, March 29, 2017 ] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. JUANITO ENTRAMPAS, ACCUSED-APPELLANT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: This is a tragic story resulting from an act of depravity: an 11-year old ...
[ G.R. No. 215957, November 09, 2016 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 215957, Nov
...215957, November 09, 2016 ] COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, PETITIONER, VS. FITNESS BY DESIGN, INC., RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: To avail of the extraordinary period of assessment in Section 222(a) of the National ...
[ G.R. No. 227497, April 10, 2019 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 227497, April 1
...April 10, 2019 ] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. DIOSCORO COMOSO TUREMUTSA, ACCUSED-APPELLANT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: Failure to comply with the chain of custody requirements in drugs cases will result in ...
[ G.R. No. 228880, March 06, 2019 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 228880, March 0
...March 06, 2019 ] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. LINA ACHIENG NOAH, ACCUSED-APPELLANT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: This resolves an appeal from the Court of Appeals July 29, 2016 Decision [1] in ...

[ G.R. No. 202430, March 06, 2019 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 202430, March 0
...March 06, 2019 ] METRO BOTTLED WATER CORPORATION, PETITIONER, VS. ANDRADA CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, INC., RESPONDENT. DECISIONLEONEN, J.: Generally, judicial review of arbitral awards is permitted only on very narrow grounds. Republic Act ...
[ G.R. No. 182307, June 06, 2018 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 182307, June 06,
...June 06, 2018 ] BELINA CANCIO AND JEREMY PAMPOLINA, PETITIONERS, VS. PERFORMANCE FOREIGN EXCHANGE CORPORATION, RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: When a party assails a lower court's appreciation of the evidence, that party raises ...
[ G.R. No. 202836, June 19, 2018 ] EN BANC [ G.R. No. 202836, June 19, 2018 ]
...June 19, 2018 ] FIRST SARMIENTO PROPERTY HOLDINGS, INC., PETITIONER, VS. PHILIPPINE BANK OF COMMUNICATIONS, RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: To determine the nature of an action, whether or not its subject matter is capable ...
[ G.R. No. 206965, November 29, 2017 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 206965, Nove
...November 29, 2017 ] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. EMMA BOFILL PANGAN, ACCUSED-APPELLANT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: Section 21 of Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act ...
[ G.R. No. 201622, October 04, 2017 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 201622, Octob
...October 04, 2017 ] ANGELITO L. CRISTOBAL, PETITIONER, VS. PHILIPPINE AIRLINES, INC., AND LUCIO TAN, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Where a tribunal renders a decision substantially reversing itself on a matter, a motion for ...
[ G.R. No. 207229, September 20, 2017 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 207229, Sep
...September 20, 2017 ] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. SIEGFRED CABELLON CABAƑERO, ACCUSED-APPELLANT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: The marking and identification of the seized dangerous drug is an essential part of the ...
[ G.R. No. 210677, August 23, 2017 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 210677, August
...August 23, 2017 ] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE. VS. ABUNDIO M. SARAGENA, ACCUSED-APPELLANT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: When the quantity of the confiscated substance is miniscule, the requirements of Section 21 of ...
[ G.R. No. 207765, July 26, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 207765, July 26
...July 26, 2017 ] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. JULITO DIVINAGRACIA, SR., ACCUSED-APPELLANT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: "Pa, don't do that[,] Pa." [1] Child victims of rape by their very own ...
[ G.R. No. 217764, August 07, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 217764, Augus
...August 07, 2017 ] ANTONIETA LUCIDO [1] @ TONYAY, PETITIONER, VS. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: This resolves a Petition for Review on Certiorari [2] assailing the Court of Appeals' Decision ...
[ G.R. No. 210654, June 07, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 210654, June 07
...June 07, 2017 ] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. PABLO LUAD ARMODIA, ACCUSED-APPELLANT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: The rape of a minor constitutes moral depravity of the highest order. This is an ...

[ G.R. No. 186967, January 18, 2017 ] 803 Phil. 393 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. N
...R. No. 186967, January 18, 2017 ] DIVINA PALAO, PETITIONER, V. FLORENTINO III INTERNATIONAL, INC., RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: This resolves a Petition for Review on Certiorari [1] filed by petitioner Divina Palao (Palao) ...
[ G.R. No. 172507, September 14, 2016 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 172507, Se
...September 14, 2016 ] NATIONAL POWER CORPORATION, PETITIONER, VS. SPS. MARGARITO ASOQUE AND TARCINIA ASOQUE, RESPONDENTS. DECISION LEONEN, J.: Article III, Section 9 [1] of the Constitution provides a substantive guarantee that private property ...
[ G.R. No. 212186, June 29, 2016 ] 788 Phil. 789 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No.
...R. No. 212186, June 29, 2016 ] ARIEL LOPEZ, PETITIONER, VS. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: To sustain a conviction for cattle-rustling, the identity of the stolen cattle must be ...
[ G.R. No. 208393, June 15, 2016 ] 787 Phil. 367 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No.
...R. No. 208393, June 15, 2016 ] CITY OF TAGUIG, PETITIONER, VS. CITY OF MAKATI, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Simultaneously pursuing an appeal (or motion for reconsideration) and a petition for annulment of judgment ...
[ G.R. No. 200751, August 17, 2015 ] 766 Phil. 750 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No
...R. No. 200751, August 17, 2015 ] MONICO LIGTAS, PETITIONER, VS. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: "Bakit niya babawiin ang aking saka?" tanong ni Tata Selo. "Dinaya ko na ba siya ...
[ G.R. No. 175098, August 26, 2015 ] 767 Phil. 766 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No
...R. No. 175098, August 26, 2015 ] ISMAEL V. CRISOSTOMO, PETITIONER, VS. MARTIN P. VICTORIA, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: This resolves a Petition for Review on Certiorari under Rule 45 of the 1997 Rules ...
[ G.R. No. 212626, June 03, 2019 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 212626, June 03,
...03, 2019 ] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. ROLANDO TERNIDA Y MUNAR, ACCUSED-APPELLANT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: The failure of law enforcers in buy-bust operations to photograph seized drugs in accordance ...
[ G.R. No. 224297, February 13, 2019 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 224297, Febr
...13, 2019 ] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. EDGARDO ROYOL Y ASICO, ACCUSED-APPELLANT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: Complete and utter noncompliance with the chain of custody requirements of Republic Act No. 9165, ...
[ G.R. No. 204759, November 14, 2018 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 204759, Nove
...14, 2018 ] PEOPLE'S GENERAL INSURANCE CORPORATION, PETITIONER, VS. EDGARDO GUANSING AND EDUARDO LIZASO, RESPONDENTS. DECISION LEONEN, J.: As a general rule, personal service is the preferred mode of service of summons. Substituted ...
[ G.R. No. 209468, December 13, 2017 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 209468, Dece
...13, 2017 ] UNITED DOCTORS MEDICAL CENTER, PETITIONER, VS. CESARIO BERNADAS, REPRESENTED BY LEONILA BERNADAS, RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: An employee who has already qualified for optional retirement but dies before the option to ...

[ G.R. No. 227863, September 20, 2017 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 227863, Sep
...20, 2017 ] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. PEDRITO ORDONA Y RENDON, ACCUSED-APPELLANT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: To qualify the killing of a person to the crime of murder, evident premeditation must ...
[ G.R. No. 208625, September 06, 2017 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 208625, Sep
...06, 2017 ] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. RAMON FRANCICA Y NAVALTA, ACCUSED-APPELLANT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: No amount, especially not the P50.00 paid by the accused for sexually abusing his ...
[ G.R. No. 197297, August 02, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 197297, Augus
...02, 2017 ] REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, PETITIONER, VS. SPOUSES DANILO GO AND AMORLINA GO, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Public land remains inalienable unless it is shown to have been reclassified and alienated to ...
[ G.R. No. 205614, July 26, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 205614, July 26
...26, 2017 ] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. JAIME SEGUNDO Y IGLESIAS, ACCUSED-APPELLANT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: Although the miniscule quantity of confiscated illicit drugs is by itself not a reason for ...
[ G.R. No. 210615, July 26, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 210615, July 26
...26, 2017 ] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. ABENIR BRUSOLA Y BARAGWA, ACCUSED-APPELLANT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: There is never any justification for a husband to hit his wife with a maso ...
[ G.R. No. 205855, March 29, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 205855, March
...29, 2017 ] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. KING REX A. AMBATANG, ACCUSED-APPELLANT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: In an Information dated November 28, 2002, accused-appellant King Rex Ambatang (Ambatang) was charged ...
[ G.R. No. 193381, February 08, 2017 ] 805 Phil. 441 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R.
...No. 193381, February 08, 2017 ] COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, PETITIONER, VS. APO CEMENT CORPORATION, RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: This resolves a Petition for Review [1] seeking to reverse and set asidethe Court of ...
[ G.R. No. 185765, September 28, 2016 ] 796 Phil. 79 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R.
...No. 185765, September 28, 2016 ] PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC ZONE AUTHORITY, PETITIONER, VS. PILHINO SALES CORPORATION, RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: Although the provisions of a contract are legally null and void, the stipulated method of ...
[ A.C. No. 9018, April 20, 2016 ] 785 Phil. 303 SECOND DIVISION [ A.C. No. 9
...No. 9018, April 20, 2016 ] TERESITA P. FAJARDO, COMPLAINANT, VS. ATTY. NICANOR C. ALVAREZ, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: This administrative case involves the determination of whether a lawyer working in the Legal Section ...
[ G.R. No. 171041, February 10, 2016 ] 780 Phil. 553 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R.
...No. 171041, February 10, 2016 ] REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, PETITIONER, VS. MOLDEX REALTY, INC., RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: This is a Petition for Review on Certiorari [1] of the Court of Appeals' January ...

[ G.R. No. 207406, January 13, 2016 ] 778 Phil. 326 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. N
...No. 207406, January 13, 2016 ] NORBERTO A. VITANGCOL, PETITIONER, VS. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Persons intending to contract a second marriage must first secure a judicial declaration of nullity ...
[ G.R. No. 168616, January 28, 2015 ] 752 PHIL. 123 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. N
...No. 168616, January 28, 2015 ] HOME GUARANTY CORPORATION, PETITIONER, VS. LA SAVOIE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: This is a Petition for Review on Certiorari praying that the assailed Decision [1] dated ...
[ G.R. No. 206529, April 23, 2018 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 206529, April 2
...2018 ] RENANTE B. REMOTICADO, PETITIONER, VS. TYPICAL CONSTRUCTION TRADING CORP. AND ROMMEL M. ALIGNAY, RESPONDENTS. DECISION LEONEN, J.: There can be no case for illegal termination of employment when there was no termination ...
[ G.R. No. 210080, November 22, 2017 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 210080, Nove
...2017 ] MACARIO S. PADILLA, PETITIONER, VS. AIRBORNE SECURITY SERVICE, INC. AND/OR CATALINA SOLIS, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Placing security guards on floating status is a valid exercise of management prerogative. However, any ...
[ G.R. No. 204288, November 08, 2017 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 204288, Nove
...2017 ] DEMEX RATTANCRAFT, INC. AND NARCISO T. DELA MERCED, PETITIONERS, VS. ROSALIO A. LERON, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: To justify the dismissal of an employee based on abandonment of work, there must be ...
[ G.R. No. 185894, August 30, 2017 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 185894, August
...2017 ] BELO MEDICAL GROUP, INC., PETITIONER, VS. JOSE L. SANTOS AND VICTORIA G. BELO, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: A conflict between two (2) stockholders of a corporation does not automatically render their dispute ...
[ G.R. No. 208471, August 02, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 208471, Augus
...2017 ] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. ERNESTO SAGANA Y DE GUZMAN, ACCUSED-APPELLANT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: The miniscule quantity of confiscated illicit drugs heightens the importance of a more stringent conformity ...
[ G.R. No. 209452, July 26, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 209452, July 26
...2017 ] GOTESCO PROPERTIES, INC., PETITIONER, VS. SOLIDBANK CORPORATION (NOW METROPOLITAN BANK AND TRUST COMPANY), RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: The requirement for publication of a Notice of Sale in an extrajudicial foreclosure is complied ...
[ G.R. No. 188146, February 01, 2017 ] 805 Phil. 13 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. N
...188146, February 01, 2017 ] PILIPINAS SHELL PETROLEUM CORPORATION, PETITIONER, VS. ROYAL FERRY SERVICES, INC., RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: The venue for a petition for voluntary insolvency proceeding under the Insolvency Law is the ...
[ G.R. No. 221538, September 20, 2016 ] EN BANC [ G.R. No. 221538, September
...2016 ] RIZALITO Y. DAVID, PETITIONER, VS. SENATE ELECTORAL TRIBUNAL AND MARY GRACE POE-LLAMANZARES, RESPONDENTS. DECISION LEONEN, J.: The words of our most fundamental law cannot be read so as to callously exclude ...

[ G.R. No. 198627, January 13, 2016 ] 778 Phil. 235 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. N
...198627, January 13, 2016 ] DST MOVERS CORPORATION, PETITIONER, VS. PEOPLE'S GENERAL INSURANCE CORPORATION, RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: A determination of where the preponderance of evidence lies is a factual issue which, as ...
[ G.R. No. 202331, April 22, 2015 ] 759 Phil. 201 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No.
...202331, April 22, 2015 ] THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF AURORA, PETITIONER, VS. HILARIO M. MARCO, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: The prohibition on midnight appointments only applies to presidential appointments. It does not apply to ...
[ G.R. No. 169303, February 11, 2015 ] 753 Phil. 482 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R.
...169303, February 11, 2015 ] PROTECTIVE MAXIMUM SECURITY AGENCY, INC., PETITIONER, VS. CELSO E. FUENTES, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: In this Petition for Review on Certiorari, [1] Protective Maximum Security Agency, Inc. seeks to ...
[ G.R. No. 195395, September 10, 2013 ] G.R. No. 195395 EN BANC [ G.R. No. 1
...No. 195395, September 10, 2013 ] ENGINEER MANOLITO P. MENDOZA, PETITIONER, VS. COMMISSION ON AUDIT, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: The salary of a water district's general manager is covered by the Salary Standardization ...
[ G.R. No. 195021, March 15, 2017 ] 807 Phil. 438 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No.
...March 15, 2017 ] NICOLAS VELASQUEZ AND VICTOR VELASQUEZ, PETITIONERS, VS. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: An accused who pleads a justifying circumstance under Article 11 of the Revised Penal Code ...
[ G.R. Nos. 205045 & 205723, January 25, 2017 ] 804 Phil. 293 SECOND DIVISION
...205045 & 205723, January 25, 2017 ] COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, PETITIONER, v. SAN MIGUEL CORPORATION, RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: These consolidated cases consider whether "San Mig Light" is a new brand or a variant ...
[ G.R. No. 206627, January 18, 2017 ] 803 Phil. 480 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. N
...January 18, 2017 ] VAN CLIFFORD TORRES Y SALERA, PETITIONER, V. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Through this Petition for Review on Certiorari, [1] petitioner Van Clifford Torres y Salera (Torres) ...
[ G.R. No. 205035, November 16, 2016 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 205035, Nov
...SPOUSES GEMINO C. MIANO, JR. AND JULIET MIANO, PETITIONERS, V. MANILA ELECTRIC COMPANY [MERALCO], RESPONDENTS. DECISION LEONEN, J.: The review of appeals filed before this Court is "not a matter of right, but ...
[ G.R. No. 208146, June 08, 2016 ] 786 Phil. 726 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No.
...June 08, 2016 ] VIRGINIA DIO, PETITIONER, VS. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES AND TIMOTHY DESMOND, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: When a motion to quash an information is based on a defect that may be ...
[ G.R. No. 170631, February 10, 2016 ] 780 Phil. 509 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R.
...February 10, 2016 ] CARAVAN TRAVEL AND TOURS INTERNATIONAL, INC., PETITIONER, VS. ERMILINDA R. ABEJAR, RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: The plaintiff may first prove the employer's ownership of the vehicle involved in a ...

[ G.R. No. 172301, August 19, 2015 ] 767 Phil. 311 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No
...August 19, 2015 ] PHILIPPINE NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION, PETITIONER, VS. ASIAVEST MERCHANT BANKERS (M) BERHAD, RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: This case stemmed from an action for recovery of sum of money filed before the ...
[ G.R. No. 187491, July 08, 2015 ] 763 PHIL. 288 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No.
...July 08, 2015 ] FAR EAST BANK AND TRUST COMPANY, PETITIONER, VS. LILIA S. CHUA, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Respondent Lilia S. Chua (Chua) was dismissed by petitioner Far East Bank and Trust Co. ...
[ G.R. No. 211465, December 03, 2014 ] 749 PHIL. 458 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R.
...December 03, 2014 ] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. SHIRLEY A. CASIO, ACCUSED-APPELLANT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: “ Chicks mo dong ?” [1] With this sadly familiar question being used on the streets of ...
[ G.R. No. 208173, June 11, 2014 ] 736 Phil. 325 THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 2
...June 11, 2014 ] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. OLIVER A. BUCLAO, ACCUSED-APPELLANT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: To protect one's daughter is one of the noblest roles of a father. A ...
[ G.R. No. 222192, March 13, 2019 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 222192, March 1
...OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. LAHMODIN AMERIL Y ABDUL @ "AMOR/MHONG", ACCUSED-APPELLANT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: At the core of every prosecution for the sale of illegal drugs is the constitutional ...
[ G.R. No. 179732, September 13, 2017 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 179732, Sep
...OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS, PETITIONER, VS. CMC/MONARK/PACIFIC/HI-TRI JOINT VENTURE, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: As the administrative agency tasked with resolving issues pertaining to the construction industry, the Construction ...
[ G.R. No. 203943, August 30, 2017 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 203943, August
...MARITIME CORPORATION/EDUARDO MANESE AND PRINCESS CRUISE LINES, LTD., PETITIONERS, VS. CYNTHIA DE JESUS, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: A conditional settlement of a judgment award may be treated as a compromise agreement and ...
[ G.R. No. 197032, July 26, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 197032, July 26
...AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, PETITIONER, VS. PRICE RICHARDSON CORPORATION, CONSUELO VELARDE-ALBERT, AND GORDON RESNICK, RESPONDENTS. DECISIONLEONEN, J.: The determination of probable cause for purposes of filing an information is lodged with the ...
[ G.R. No. 184317, January 25, 2017 ] 804 Phil. 195 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. N
...25, 2017 ] METROPOLITAN BANK AND TRUST COMPANY, PETITIONER, V. LIBERTY CORRUGATED BOXES MANUFACTURING CORPORATION, RESPONDENT. DECISIONLEONEN, J.: A corporation with debts that have already matured may still file a petition for rehabilitation ...
[ G.R. No. 219829, January 18, 2017 ] 803 Phil. 582 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. N
...18, 2017 ] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, V. MONIR JAAFAR Y TAMBUYONG, ACCUSED-APPELLANT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: This reviews the Decision [1] dated February 24, 2015 of the Court of Appeals in ...

[ G.R. No. 215340, July 13, 2016 ] 790 Phil. 183 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No.
...13, 2016 ] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. GLORIA CAIZ Y TALVO, ACCUSED-APPELLANT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: Failure to prove the preservation of the integrity of the corpus delicti in dangerous drugs ...
[ G.R. No. 192947, December 09, 2015 ] 775 Phil. 169 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R.
...09, 2015 ] MELANIE E. DE OCAMPO, PETITIONER, VS. RPN-9/RADIO PHILIPPINES NETWORK, INC., RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Unlike an appeal, a pending petition for certiorari shall not stay the judgment or order ...
[ G.R. No. 208792, July 22, 2015 ] 764 Phil. 642 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No.
...22, 2015 ] BANK OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS, PETITIONER, VS. SPOUSES ROBERTO AND TERESITA GENUINO, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: A.M. No. 03-1-09-SC [1] does not remove the plaintiff's duty ...
[ G.R. No. 175493, March 25, 2015 ] 757 PHIL. 70 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No.
...25, 2015 ] REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, PETITIONER, VS. HEIRS OF GABRIEL Q. FERNANDEZ, [1] RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: The state and its implementing agencies must first comply with the requirements outlined in Section ...
[ G. R. No. 171601, April 08, 2015 ] 757 PHIL. 582 SECOND DIVISION [ G. R. N
...08, 2015 ] SPOUSES BONIFACIO AND LUCIA PARAS, PETITIONERS, VS. KIMWA CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: This resolves the Petition for Review on Certiorari [1] under Rule 45 of the 1997 ...
[ G.R. No. 220456, June 10, 2019 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 220456, June 10,
...THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. GAJIR ACUB Y ARAKANI A.K.A. "ASAW," ACCUSED-APPELLANT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: State agents must strictly comply with the legal safeguards established in Section 21 of Republic ...
[ G.R. No. 217044, January 16, 2019 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 217044, Janua
...JOSE M. YULO AND JULIET L. YULO, PETITIONERS, VS. BANK OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: When issuing a pre-screened or pre-approved credit card, the credit card provider must ...
[ G.R. No. 205638, August 23, 2017 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 205638, August
...LIONG FOUNDATION MEDICAL CENTER AND ANTHONY DEE, PETITIONERS, VS. ASIAMED SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: Generally, a petition for review under Rule 45 of the Rules of Court may only ...
[ G.R. No. 224974, July 03, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 224974, July 03
...AND FRANCISCO CRUZ, IN HIS CAPACITY AS BONDSMAN, PETITIONERS, VS. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: The trial court's failure to comply with procedural rules constitutes grave abuse of discretion ...
[ G.R. No. 208243, June 05, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 208243, June 05
...REYES, PETITIONER, VS. THE OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN, THE SANDIGANBAYAN, AND PAUL JOCSON ARCHES, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: This resolves a Petition for Certiorari [1] under Rule 65 of the Rules of Court, ...

[ G.R. No. 215568, August 03, 2015 ] 765 Phil. 544 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No
...2015 ] RICHARD N. RIVERA, PETITIONER, VS. GENESIS TRANSPORT SERVICE, INC. AND RIZA A. MOISES, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: This resolves a Petition for Review on Certiorari under Rule 45 of the 1997 Rules ...
[ G.R. No. 203928, July 22, 2015 ] 764 Phil. 595 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No.
...2015 ] CE CASECNAN WATER AND ENERGY COMPANY, INC., PETITIONER, VS. COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: The thirty (30)-day period provided in Section 112 of the 1997 National Internal Revenue ...
[ G.R. No. 200170, June 03, 2019 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 200170, June 03,
...PETITIONER, VS. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY BRO. ARMIN A. LUISTRO, FSC, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Reassignments differ from transfers, and public employees with appointments that are not station-specific may ...
[ G.R. No. 205068, March 06, 2019 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 205068, March 0
...P. DRAGON, REPRESENTED BY PATRICIA ANGELI D. NUBLA, PETITIONERS, VS. THE MANILA BANKING CORPORATION, RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: Payment of the correct amount of filing fees should not be made contingent on the ...
[ G.R. No. 217978, January 30, 2019 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 217978, Janua
...PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. NANCY LASACA RAMIREZ A.K.A. "ZOY" OR "SOY" ACCUSED-APPELLANT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: This is an Appeal assailing the Court of Appeals October 23, 2014 Decision [1] in ...
[ G.R. No. 210528, November 28, 2018 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 210528, Nove
...REVENUE, PETITIONER, VS. J.P. MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. – PHILIPPINE CUSTOMER CARE CENTER, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Respondent's lease of the physical plant space, infrastructure, and other transmission facilities of PeopleSupport ...
[ G.R. No. 229192, July 23, 2018 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 229192, July 23,
...INC. AND/OR MOL SHIP MANAGEMENT (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD., PETITIONERS, VS. MICHAEL PADERES ATRAJE RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: The third doctor rule does not apply when there is no final and definitive assessment ...
[ G.R. No. 208396, March 14, 2018 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 208396, March 1
...PETITIONER, VS. SOUTHFIELD AGENCIES, INC., WILHEMSEN SHIP MANAGEMENT HOLDING LTD., AND CAPT. SONNY VALENCIA, RESPONDENTS. DECISION LEONEN, J.: This Court is duty-bound to respect the consistent prior findings of the Labor Arbiter, ...
[ G.R. Nos. 208481-82, February 07, 2018 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. Nos. 208481-
...OF THE OMBUDSMAN, REPRESENTED BY OMBUDSMAN CONCHITA CARPIO MORALES, PETITIONER, VS. MARIA ROWENA REGALADO, RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: "Yes, my dear, that's the system ng government . . . Ganito ang system, ano ako magmamalinis? ...
[ G.R. No. 205745, March 08, 2017 ] 807 Phil. 102 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No.
...CAPISTRANO DAAYATA, DEXTER SALISI, AND BREGIDO MALACAT, JR., PETITIONERS, VS. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: Pride, when unchecked, can waste our youth and cause the forfeiture of all meaning in ...

[ G.R. No. 198120, February 20, 2017 ] 806 Phil. 1 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No
...MERCEDES S. GATMAYTAN, PETITIONER, VS. FRANCISCO DOLOR (SUBSTITUTED BY HIS HEIRS) AND HERMOGENA DOLOR, RESPONDENTS. DECISION LEONEN, J.: When a party's counsel serves a notice of change in address upon a court, ...
[ G.R. No. 195166, July 08, 2015 ] 763 PHIL. 372 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No.
...SPOUSES SALVADOR ABELLA AND ALMA ABELLA, PETITIONERS, VS. SPOUSES ROMEO ABELLA AND ANNIE ABELLA, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: This resolves a Petition for Review on Certiorari under Rule 45 of the Rules of ...
[ G.R. No. 200628, January 13, 2015 ] 750 Phil. 413 EN BANC [ G.R. No. 20062
...MARIA THERESA G. GUTIERREZ, PETITIONER, VS. COMMISSION ON AUDIT AND AUDITOR NARCISA DJ JOAQUIN, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: A cashier who is found to have been negligent in keeping the funds in his ...
[ G.R. No. 211293, June 04, 2019 ] EN BANC [ G.R. No. 211293, June 04, 2019 ]
...HERNANDEZ, RENATO L. BASCO, CARMEN MERINO, AND REYNALDO SALVADOR, PETITIONERS, VS. COMMISSION ON AUDIT, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: A corporation, whether with or without an original charter, is under the audit jurisdiction of ...
[ G.R. No. 220721, December 10, 2018 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 220721, Dece
...PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. NADY MAGALLANO, JR. Y FLORES AND ROMEO TAPAR Y CASTRO, ACCUSED-APPELLANTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: "The essence of treachery is the swift and unexpected attack on the unarmed victim without ...
[ G.R. No. 189626, August 20, 2018 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 189626, August
...PETITIONERS, VS. CONCEPCION BALLADO AND MARY GRACE BALLADO LEDESMA, AND ST. JOSEPH REALTY, LTD. RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Jurisdiction over the subject matter of a complaint is conferred by law. It cannot be ...
[ G.R. No. 208314, August 23, 2017 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 208314, August
...VS. MARLOW NAVIGATION PHILS., INC./MARLOW NAVIGATION CO. LTD./CYPRUS, AND/OR EILEEN MORALES, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: As laypersons, seafarers cannot be expected to make completely accurate accounts of their state of ...
[ G.R. No. 206178, August 09, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 206178, Augus
...VS. ELBURG SHIPMANAGEMENT PHILIPPINES, INC., AUGUSTEA ATLANTICA SRL/ITALY, AND CAPTAIN ANTONIO S. NOMBRADO, RESPONDENTS. DECISION LEONEN, J.: The physician who has personal knowledge of a seafarer's actual medical condition after closely ...
[ G.R. No. 201354, September 21, 2016 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 201354, Se
...AND MARIA LUISA P. PADILLA, PETITIONERS, VS. LEOPOLDO MALICSI, LITO CASINO, AND AGRIFINO GUANES, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: This resolves the Petition for Review on Certiorari [1] filed by Spouses Pablo M. Padilla, ...
[ G.R. No. 209910, November 29, 2017 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 209910, Nove
...VS. EMILIO G. ALFECHE, GILBERT ALFECHE, EMMANUEL MANUGAS, AND M. LHUILLIER PAWNSHOP AND JEWELRY, RESPONDENTS. DECISION LEONEN, J.: An electric distribution company is a public utility presumed to have the necessary expertise and ...

[ G.R. No. 198066, June 07, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 198066, June 07
...URIOS COLLEGE (NOW FATHER SATURNINO URIOS UNIVERSITY) AND/OR FR. JOHN CHRISTIAN U. YOUNG, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: The employer must adduce proof of actual involvement in the alleged misconduct for loss of ...
[ G.R. No. 205657, March 29, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 205657, March
...BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES, PETITIONER, V. SPOUSES JEROME AND QUINNIE BRIONES, AND JOHN DOE, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Upon accepting an agency, the agent becomes bound to carry out the agency and shall ...
[ G.R. No. 187273, February 15, 2017 ] 805 Phil. 759 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R.
...ARA AND WILLIAM A. GARCIA, PETITIONERS, V. DRA. FELY S. PIZARRO AND HENRY ROSSI, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: For a claim of filiation to succeed, it must be made within the period allowed, ...
[ G.R. No. 188720, February 23, 2016 ] 781 Phil. 399 EN BANC [ G.R. No. 1887
...PTCA FEDERATION, INC., PETITIONER, VS. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, REPRESENTED BY SECRETARY JESLI A. LAPUS, RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: This resolves a Petition for Certiorari and Prohibition [1] praying that respondent Department of Education' ...
[ G.R. No. 233016, March 05, 2019 ] EN BANC [ G.R. No. 233016, March 05, 2019
...LAGASCA, PETITIONER-INTERVENOR, VS. COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS AND ALFRED J. ZAPANTA; EDILBERTO U. LAGASCA, RESPONDENTS. DECISION LEONEN, J.: In a multi-slot office, all votes cast in favor of the nuisance candidate whose ...
[ G.R. No. 191274, December 06, 2017 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 191274, Dece
...AND FLERIDA O. MARCELO, PETITIONERS, VS. SECURITY BANK CORPORATION AND SERGIO ORTIZ-LUIS, JR., RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: This Petition for Review [1] is an appeal from the Court of Appeals: (1) Decision ...
[ G.R. No. 206343, February 22, 2017 ] 806 Phil. 308 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R.
...THE PHILIPPINES, PETITIONER, V. LORENZO MUSNI, EDUARDO SONZA AND SPOUSES IRENEO AND NENITA SANTOS, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Banks must show that they exercised the required due diligence before claiming to be mortgagees ...
[ G.R. No. 193618, November 28, 2016 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 193618, Nov
...DELFIN, NAMELY EMELITA D. FABRIGAR AND LEONILO C. DELFIN, PETITIONERS, VS. NATIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY, RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: Under Commonwealth Act No. 141, a claimant may acquire alienable and disposable public land upon ...
[ G.R. No. 197654, August 30, 2017 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 197654, August
...ROSARIO, PETITIONERS, VS. SPOUSES RICHARD Y. HUANG & CARMEN G. HUANG, AND STEPHEN G. HUANG, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: A judgment that lapses into finality becomes immutable and unalterable. It can neither be modified ...
[ GR. No. 194190, January 25, 2017 ] 804 Phil. 264 SECOND DIVISION [ GR. No.
...THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (DPWH), PETITIONER, VS. SPOUSES FRANCISCO R. LLAMAS, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: This resolves a Petition for Review on Certiorari [1] praying that the assailed October 14, ...

[ G.R. No. 172948, October 05, 2016 ] 796 Phil. 387 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. N
...REFINING CORPORATION, PETITIONER, VS. PABLITO O. LIM, MANUEL A. AGCAOILI, AND CONSUELO M. PADILLA, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: An action for injunction filed by a corporation generally does not lie to prevent the ...
[ G.R. No. 192803, December 10, 2013 ] 723 Phil. 160 EN BANC [ G.R. No. 1928
...AGRARIAN RECONSTRUCTION, INC., ALSO KNOWN AS ARARO PARTY-LIST, PETITIONER, VS. COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS, RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: It is beyond human expectations that we charge voters with knowledge as to which among ...
[ G.R. No. 198008, February 04, 2019 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 198008, Febr
...EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, REGION X, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS, PETITIONER, VS. BENJOHN FETALVERO, RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: Money claims against the government cannot be the subject of writs of execution absent any ...
[ G.R. No. 217123, February 06, 2019 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 217123, Febr
...SERVICES, INC., * MID-SOUTH SHIP AND CREW MANAGEMENT, INC., AND/OR CAPTAIN SIMEON FLORES, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: There is very little that seafarers can do to better their working conditions upon boarding ...
[ G.R. No. 201302, January 23, 2019 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 201302, Janua
...DOING BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME AND STYLE OF UFC PHILIPPINES (FORMERLY NUTRI-ASIA, INC.), RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: The venue for the collection of sum of money case is governed by Rule 4, ...
[ G.R. No. 214744, March 14, 2018 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 214744, March 1
...MORA, OSA, ALBERT D. MANALILI, AND ALICIA MANABAT, PETITIONERS, VS. VIRGINIA PASCUA, M.D., RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: When termination of employment is occasioned by retrenchment to prevent losses, an employer must declare ...
[ G.R. No. 211053, November 29, 2017 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 211053, Nove
...L. OROZCO, MANUEL D. OSIR, AND ALBERTO B. MATURAN, ACCUSED, ERNIE N. CASTRO, ACCUSED-APPELLANT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Accused-appellant does not dispute being at the scene of the crime. He testified to ...
[ G.R. No. 200512, June 07, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 200512, June 07
...AVANCENA Y CABANELA, JAIME POPIOCO Y CAMBAYA [1] AND NOLASCO TAYTAY Y CRUZ, ACCUSED-APPELLANTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: This is an appeal from the Decision dated September 17, 2010 [2] of the Court ...
[ G.R. No. 190187, September 28, 2016 ] 796 Phil. 96 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R.
...UNION, PETITIONER, VS. UNOCAL PHILIPPINES, INC. (NOW KNOWN AS CHEVRON GEOTHERMAL PHILIPPINES HOLDINGS, INC.), RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: The merger of a corporation with another does not operate to dismiss the employees of ...
[ G.R. No. 172961, September 07, 2015 ] 768 Phil. 539 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R.
...HIS HEIRS FEDERICO MENDOZA AND DELFIN MENDOZA, AND JOSE GONZALES, PETITIONERS, VS. REYNOSA VALTE, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: The existence or non-existence of fraud is a legal conclusion based on a finding ...

[ G.R. No. 179047, March 11, 2015 ] 755 PHIL. 553 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No.
...VS. SUBIC BAY GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB, INC. AND UNIVERSAL INTERNATIONAL GROUP DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Intra-corporate controversies, previously under the Securities and Exchange Commission's jurisdiction, are now under ...
[ G.R. No. 222980, March 20, 2017 ] 807 Phil. 747 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No.
...N RIDE INC./VICEST (PHILS) INC./GRAND LEISURE CORP./SPS. VICENTE & ESTELITA B. JAVIER, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Natural expressions of an employer do not automatically make for a hostile work atmosphere. The ...
[ G.R. No. 188658, January 11, 2017 ] 803 Phil. 143 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. N
...BY ZOSIMO L. MENDOZA, SR., PETITIONERS, V. COURT OF APPEALS AND ALICIA R. LOYOLA, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: This resolves a Petition for Certiorari [1] assailing the Court of Appeals' December 22, 2008 ...
[ G.R. No. 223751, March 15, 2017 ] 807 Phil. 555 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No.
...PRODUCTION CO., PETITIONERS, VS. PHILIPPINE INFORMATION AGENCY AND DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS, RESPONDENTS. DECISION LEONEN, J.: In determining the sufficiency of a cause of action for resolving a motion to dismiss, ...
[ G.R. No. 181683, October 07, 2015 ] 770 PHIL. 612 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. N
...CORPORATION, RESPONDENT. [G.R. No. 184568] NATIONAL POWER CORPORATION, PETITIONER, VS. LORENZO SHIPPING CORPORATION, RESPONDENT. DECISIONLEONEN, J.: These consolidated Petitions for Review on Certiorari [1] are offshoots of the Court of Appeals' ...
[ A.C. No. 10662 [Formerly CBD Case No. 10-2654], July 07, 2015 ] 763 PHIL. 17
...10-2654], July 07, 2015 ] JUN B. LUNA, COMPLAINANT, VS. ATTY. DWIGHT M. GALARRITA, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Before us is a disbarment Complaint against Atty. Dwight M. Galarrita for his failure to ...
[ G.R. No. 206331, June 04, 2018 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 206331, June 04,
...DIAZ, REPRESENTED BY MARY CATHERINE M. DIAZ; EMMA CABIGTING; AND NINA T. SAMANIEGO [1] , RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: A liberal construction of the rules of procedure, including the period within which a petition ...
[ GR. No. 196072, September 20, 2017 ] THIRD DIVISION [ GR. No. 196072, Septe
...R. NO. 208603] SULPICIO LINES, INC. PETITIONER, VS. STEAMSHIP MUTUAL UNDERWRITING ASSOCIATION (BERMUDA) LIMITED, REPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: An insured member may be compelled to arbitration pursuant to the Rules of the Protection ...
[ G.R. No. 180745, August 30, 2017 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 180745, August
...GEORGE M. JEREOS, ROBERTO G. GEOTINA, JUAN T. TAN, KRISTINE MORALES, AND ALBERTO LINA, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: In observing administrative due process, it is essential that the accused be accorded the right ...
[ G.R. No. 191856, December 07, 2016 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 191856, Dec
...BIR), PETITIONER, V. GMCC UNITED DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, JOSE C. GO, AND XU XIAN CHUN, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Before this Court is a Petition for Review on Certiorari [1] assailing the Court of ...

[ G.R. No. 224144, June 28, 2017 ] 811 Phil. 861 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No.
...REPRESENTED BY JOSEFINA BAS ESPINOSA AND REGISTER OF DEEDS OF THE PROVINCE OF CEBU, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: This resolves a Petition for Review [1] assailing the Decision [2] dated March 12, 2014 ...
[ G.R. No. 203072, October 18, 2016 ] EN BANC [ G.R. No. 203072, October 18,
...TAN, COMMISSIONER JUANITO G. ESPINO, JR., COMMISSIONER HEIDI L. MENDOZA, AND COMMISSION ON AUDIT, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Under Republic Act No. 6758, otherwise known as the Compensation and Position Classification Act of ...
[ G.R. No. 197122, June 15, 2016 ] 787 Phil. 305 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No.
...THOMAS CLEARY, RESPONDENT. [G.R. No. 197161] KATHRYN GO-PEREZ, PETITIONER, VS. THOMAS CLEARY, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: This case stems from a motion for court authorization to take deposition in Los Angeles ...
[ G.R. No. 175198, September 23, 2015 ] 770 PHIL. 141 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R.
...AND EDGAR MANATO, PETITIONERS, VS. NATIONWIDE SECURITY AND ALLIED SERVICES, INC/ROMEO T. NOLASCO, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Motions for reconsideration not served on the adverse party do not toll the running of ...
[ G.R. No. 213023, April 10, 2019 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 213023, April 1
...JR., JANET BAY, JESUS P. GALANG, RANDY HAGOS, JEANY LACORTE, AND VENUS TANDOC, ACCUSED-APPELLANT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: The degree of freedom by which journalists operate to uncover and write the news is ...
[ G.R. No. 208224, November 22, 2017 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 208224, Nove
...AGUILAR, MA. THERESA M. BEFETEL, AND MYRNA NISAY, PETITIONERS, VS. DR. GLORY V. BALTAZAR, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: This is a Petition for Review on Certiorari [1] under Rule 45 of the 1997 ...
[ G.R. No. 170316, September 18, 2017 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 170316, Sep
...DELOS REYES, DALE Y. NOVAL, WINNIE T. REFI, ZENAIDA LAO, AND DAISY N. MORALES, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: When an applicant in the registration of property proves his or her open, continuous, exclusive, ...
[ G.R. No. 167679, July 22, 2015 ] 764 Phil. 418 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No.
...PHILIPPINES AS ING BANK N.V. MANILA BRANCH, PETITIONER, VS. COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Qualified taxpayers with pending tax cases may still avail themselves of the tax amnesty program ...
[ G.R. No. 206150, August 09, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 206150, Augus
...SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY, INC.), FASTECH MICROASSEMBLY & TEST, INC., FASTECH ELECTRONIQUE, INC., AND FASTECH PROPERTIES, INC., RESPONDENTS. DECISIONLEONEN, J.: Courts will not render judgment on a moot and academic case unless any of the ...
[ G.R. No. 208205, June 01, 2016 ] 786 Phil. 163 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No.
...[G.R. No. 208212] REPUBLIC REAL ESTATE CORPORATION, PETITIONER, VS. REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Upon execution, this Court's decision cannot be amended by the trial court or the ...

[ G.R. No. 189509, November 23, 2015 ] 773 Phil. 289 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R.
...ELPIDIO AND ROSE VIOLET PARAS, SPOUSES JESUS AND MA. CONSUELO PARAS AND VICTORIA PARAS, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: The central issue in this case is whether an agreement between a secured creditor and ...
[ G.R. No. 198436, July 08, 2015 ] 763 PHIL. 428 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No.
...ESTELITA CO WONG, BENNY H. WONG, ARSENIO CHUA, SONNY CHUA, AND WONG YAN TAK, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: As a general rule, a corporation has a separate and distinct personality from those who ...
[ G.R. No. 199825, July 26, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 199825, July 26
...PASCUAL AND ST. FRANCIS SCHOOL OF GENERAL TRIAS, CAVITE, INC., PETITIONERS, VS. LAURITA CUSTODIO, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: This resolves a Petition for Review on Certiorari [1] assailing the May 25, 2011 Decision ...
[ G.R. No. 184466, December 05, 2016 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 184466, Dec
...IN- FACT, REUBEN CAPILI ECHAVES, PETITIONERS, VS. ANATOLIA TANSAY AS SUBSTITUTED BY LILIAN YAP, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: The Court of Appeals' power to receive evidence to resolve factual issues in cases falling ...
[ G.R. No. 199625, June 06, 2018 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 199625, June 06,
...RAFAEL P. DELOS SANTOS, CORAZON G. CORPUZ, DANILO C. JAVIER, AND JIMMY B. SARONA, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: The exoneration of public officers by the Ombudsman in a charge alleging grave misconduct and ...
[ G.R. No. 190922, October 11, 2017 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 190922, Octob
...MARCELINO L. GALO, ARTEMIO ABARQUEZ, AUGUSTO B. LAWAN, ADOLFO L. GALO AND EDUARDO R. ERMITADECISION LEONEN, J.: A judgment approving the subdivision of a parcel of land does not preclude other parties ...
[ G.R. No. 198587, January 14, 2015 ] 750 Phil. 791 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. N
...REBESENCIO, MONTASSAH B. SACAR-ADIONG, ROUEN RUTH A. CRISTOBAL AND LORAINE S. SCHNEIDER-CRUZ, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: All Filipinos are entitled to the protection of the rights guaranteed in the Constitution. This ...
[ G.R. No. 190389, April 19, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 190389, April
...190390] MANGGAGAWA NG KOMUNIKASYON SA PILIPINAS, PETITIONER, VS. PHILIPPINE LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONE COMPANY INCORPORATED, RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: An employer's declaration of redundancy becomes a valid and authorized cause for dismissal when ...
[ G.R. No. 186403, September 05, 2018 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 186403, Sep
...GUIMBA, NUEVA ECIJA, MRS. PRISCILLA ESPINOSA, * AND NUEVA ECIJA PROVINCIAL PUBLIC PROSECUTOR FLORO FLORENDO, RESPONDENTS. DECISION LEONEN, J.: An allegation of conspiracy to add a new accused without changing the prosecution's theory ...
[ G.R. No. 199515, June 25, 2018 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 199515, June 25,
...PIƑAS CITY, AND THE ADMINISTRATOR AND CIVIL REGISTRAR GENERAL OF THE NATIONAL STATISTICS OFFICE, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Judicial recognition of a foreign divorce requires that the national law of the foreign spouse ...

[ G.R. Nos. 236577 and 236597, August 15, 2018 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. Nos. 2
...THE MAKATI CITY REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, BRANCH 143, AND PHILIPPINE GAMING AND MANAGEMENT CORPORATION, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Absent the showing of an existing right to be protected, a party's application for ...
[ G.R. No. 195295, October 05, 2016 ] 796 Phil. 617 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. N
...IMELDA "IMEE" R. MARCOS-MANOTOC, GREGORIO MA. ARANETA III, AND IRENE R. MARCOS ARANETA, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: This resolves a Petition [1] for certiorari assailing the Sandiganbayan's cancellation of a notice ...
[ G.R. No. 194388, November 07, 2018 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 194388, Nove
...OF QUEZON CITY, SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD NG QUEZON CITY, AND CITY MAYOR OF QUEZON CITY, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: A government instrumentality exercising corporate powers is not liable for the payment of real property ...
[ G.R. No. 195956, March 11, 2015 ] 755 PHIL. 709 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No.
...SOHO, GRACE DELA PEƑA-REYES, JOHN OLIVER T. MANALASTAS, JOHN DOES AND JANE DOES, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: The main issue in this case is whether there is probable cause to charge respondents ...
[ G.R. No. 171804, August 05, 2015 ] 765 Phil. 714 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No
...PETITIONERS, VS. OSCAR ANGLO, SR., AND ANGLO AGRICULTURAL CORPORATION, REPRESENTED BY OSCAR ANGLO, JR., RESPONDENTS. DECISION LEONEN, J.: The Assurance Fund is part of our property registration system covered by Presidential Decree No. ...
[ G.R. No. 170458, November 23, 2015 ] 773 Phil. 179 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R.
...TATLONGHARI, DOMINGO P. UY, GUILLERMO P. UY, HINOSAN MOTORS CORPORATION, AND WESTERN GUARANTY CORPORATION, RESPONDENTS. DECISION LEONEN, J.: The notation "in trust for" or "for escrow" that comes with deposited funds indicates that ...
[ G.R. No. 182944, November 09, 2016 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 182944, Nov
...BAYANI F. FERNANDO, PETITIONERS, VS. CITY ADVERTISING VENTURES CORPORATION, REPRESENTED BY DEXTER Y. LIM, RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: For a writ of preliminary injunction to be issued, the applicant must show, by prima ...
[ G.R. No. 220481, February 17, 2016 ] 781 Phil. 255 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R.
...ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT, INC., PETITIONER, VS. VICTOR S. LIMLINGAN AND EMMANUEL A. LEYCO, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: For resolution are Petitions for Review on Certiorari [1] assailing the Decision [2] dated January ...
[ G.R. No. 202408, June 27, 2018 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 202408, June 27,
...RESPONDENT. [G.R. No. 202412] DATUKAN M. GUIANI PETITIONER, VS. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: The rules on competitive public bidding and those concerning the disbursement of public funds are ...
[ G.R. No. 192223, July 23, 2018 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 192223, July 23,
...OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES, AND THE GOVERNOR OF BANGKO SENTRAL NG PILIPINAS (BSP), RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: The grant of an informer's reward for the discovery, conviction, and punishment of tax ...

[ G.R. No. 205128, August 09, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 205128, Augus
...PETITIONERS, VS. LAND BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES AND DEPARTMENT OF AGRARIAN REFORM ADJUDICATION BOARD, RESPONDENTS. DECISION LEONEN, J.: A perceived abuse cannot be cured by an abuse. Administrative agencies, such as the Department ...
[ G.R. No. 172980, July 22, 2015 ] 764 Phil. 477 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No.
...BOARD, JOSE ANTONIO R. LEE, ATTY. VENANCIO C. REYES, JR., AND NESTOR P. TINIO, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: An appeal of the outright dismissal of a petition for certiorari against an interlocutory order ...
[ G.R. No. 211780, November 21, 2018 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 211780, Nove
...VILLAGE ASSOCIATION, INC., REPRESENTED BY ITS PRESIDENT ANTONIO GUERRERO, AND THE REGISTER OF DEEDS, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: In contract interpretation, courts must first determine whether a stipulation is ambiguous or susceptible of ...
[ G.R. No. 214312, September 05, 2018 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 214312, Sep
...OMBUDSMAN FOR LUZON, ROBERTO RICALDE, MODESTO DE LEON, ALICIA MANGUBAT, AND LENELITA BALBOA, PROMULGATED: RESPONDENTS. DECISION LEONEN, J.: Orders and decisions of the Office of the Ombudsman in criminal cases may be elevated ...
[ G.R. No. 208614, November 27, 2017 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 208614, Nove
...PIEDAD, ALI PIEDAD, AND LEE PIEDAD, PETITIONERS, VS. CANDELARIA LINEHAN BOBILLES AND MARIANO BOBILLES, RESPONDENTS. DECISION LEONEN, J.: Courts should take to heart the principle of equity if the strict application of the ...
[ G.R. No. 174747, March 09, 2016 ] 783 Phil. 62 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No.
...CHAPTER/GEORGE EMATA, DOMINGO REBANCOS, NELSON BERINA, ROBERTO TIRAO, AMADO VILLOTE, AND BIENVENIDO FELINA, RESPONDENTS. DECISION LEONEN, J.: Under Proclamation No. 50, Series of 1986, [1] no employer-employee relationship is created by ...
[ G.R. No. 197526, July 26, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 197526, July 26
...BY THE BUREAU OF INTERNAL REVENUE, PETITIONER, V. CE LUZON GEOTHERMAL POWER COMPANY, INC., RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: The 120-day and 30-day reglementary periods under Section 112(C) of the National ...
[ G.R. No. 189102, June 07, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 189102, June 07
...CECILIO G. ABENION, AND 1,842 OTHER PLAINTIFFS IN CIVIL CASE NO. 95-45, RESPONDENTS. DECISION LEONEN, J.: Courts can neither amend nor modify the terms and conditions of a compromise validly entered ...
[ G.R. No. 205483, August 23, 2017 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 205483, August
...DECEASED PARTY, JULIANA S. MAGAT, PETITIONERS, VS. TANTRADE CORPORATION AND PABLO S. BORJA, JR., RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Petitioners in this case substituted as heirs for a deceased party. They crossed islands to ...
[ G.R. No. 214986, February 15, 2017 ] 805 Phil. 921 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R.
...CAMP AGUINALDO CAMP COMMANDER, AND LT. COL. HAROLD CABUNOC, AFP PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE CHIEF, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: We resolve a Petition to Cite for Indirect Contempt [1] filed by petitioner Atty. Herminio ...

[ G.R. No. 200811, June 19, 2019 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 200811, June 19,
...MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, INC., SAGE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, LTD., AND ALBERTO C. ALVINA, RESPONDENTS. DECISION LEONEN, J.: The clause "or for three (3) months for every year of the unexpired term, whichever ...
[ G.R. No. 173921, February 24, 2016 ] 781 Phil. 474 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R.
...NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS COMMISSION, PHILIPPINE AIRLINES, INC., AVELINO L. ZAPANTA, AND CESAR B. LAMBERTE, RESPONDENTS. DECISION LEONEN, J.: The employer has the burden of proving that the dismissal of its employees is with ...
[ G.R. No. 191945, March 11, 2015 ] 755 PHIL. 613 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No.
...OLIVO, ALICIA O. SALAZAR, ANITA O. ORDONO, ANGELITA O. LIM, AND ADELFA O. ESPINAS, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: When the taking of private property is no longer for a public purpose, the expropriation ...
[ G.R. No. 221139, March 20, 2019 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 221139, March 2
...THE HONORABLE JUDGE OF REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH 12, CEBU CITY ESTELA ALMA SINGCO, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: The Philippine legal system's framework for the protection of indigenous peoples was never intended ...
[ G.R. Nos. 206438 and 206458, July 31, 2018 ] EN BANC [ G.R. Nos. 206438 and
...SANDIGANBAYAN, FIFTH DIVISION, QUEZON CITY; OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN; AND PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Every accused has the rights to due process and to speedy disposition of cases. Inordinate ...
[ G.R. No. 196020, April 18, 2018 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 196020, April 1
...R. MALVAR, PETITIONER, VS. MANILA ELECTRIC COMPANY, VICENTE MONTERO, MR. BONDOC, AND MR. BAYONA, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: A distribution utility is mandated to strictly comply with the legal requisites before disconnecting an ...
[ G.R. No. 199107, August 30, 2017 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 199107, August
...IN HIS CAPACITY AS CHAIRMAN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRARIAN REFORM ADJUDICATION BOARD (DARAB), RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Procedural rules must be faithfully followed and dutifully enforced. Still, their application should not amount ...
[ G.R. No. 208450, June 05, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 208450, June 05
...ABOITIZ AND MARIA CRISTINA CABARRUS, JOSE MARIA MORAZA, AND ERNESTO ABOITIZ AND ISABEL ABOITIZ, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: This resolves two (2) Petitions for Review on Certiorari [1] assailing the Court of Appeals' ...
[ G.R. No. 193068, February 01, 2017 ] 805 Phil. 58 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. N
...CORPORATION, RODOLFO M. CUENCA, MANUEL I. TINIO, CUENCA INVESTMENT CORPORATION AND UNIVERSAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION, RESPONDENTS. DECISIONLEONEN, J.: A condition shall be deemed fulfilled when the obligor voluntarily prevents its fulfilment and a ...
[ G.R. No. 174379, August 31, 2016 ] 794 Phil. 97 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No.
...IN HIS CAPACITY AS THE DHUECTOR OF THE BUREAU OF PATENTS), AND THERAPHARMA, INC., RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: A patent is granted to provide rights and protection to the inventor after an invention ...

[ G.R. No. 193068, February 01, 2017 ] 805 Phil. 58 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. N
...CORPORATION, RODOLFO M. CUENCA, MANUEL I. TINIO, CUENCA INVESTMENT CORPORATION AND UNIVERSAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION, RESPONDENTS. DECISIONLEONEN, J.: A condition shall be deemed fulfilled when the obligor voluntarily prevents its fulfilment and a ...
[ G.R. No. 174379, August 31, 2016 ] 794 Phil. 97 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No.
...IN HIS CAPACITY AS THE DHUECTOR OF THE BUREAU OF PATENTS), AND THERAPHARMA, INC., RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: A patent is granted to provide rights and protection to the inventor after an invention ...
[ G.R. No. 215072, September 07, 2016 ] 794 Phil. 526 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R.
...SPOUSE, NINFA LAMISTOZA-ENTAPA, FRANKLIN G. ENTAPA, MARINA E. SCHACHT, AND ELVIRA G. ENTAPA, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: The Constitution requires that a court must state the factual and legal grounds on which ...
[ A.M. No. P-16-3459 [Formerly OCA IPI No. 13-4119-P], June 21, 2016 ] 787 Phi
...IV, OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT [OCC], REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, ANTIPOLO CITY, RIZAL, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Sheriffs play an important role in the effective and efficient administration of our justice system. ...
[ G.R. No. 189516, June 08, 2016 ] 786 Phil. 517 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No.
...THE PENSION AND GRATUITY MANAGEMENT CENTER (PGMC) OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES, RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: A writ of execution lies against the pension benefits of a retired officer of the ...
[ G.R. No. 217508, April 18, 2016 ] 784 Phil. 918 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No.
...74 OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF OLONGAPO CITY, AND MARILOU LAUDE Y SERDONCILLO, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: This resolves a Petition for Certiorari [1] praying that the Resolutions dated January 27, 2015 ...
[ G.R. No. 197597, April 08, 2015 ] 757 PHIL. 630 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No.
...OTHER PERSONS ACTING ON HIS BEHALF AND/OR HAVING CUSTODY OF DATUKAN MALANG SALIBO, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Habeas corpus is the proper remedy for a person deprived of liberty due to mistaken ...
[ G.R. No. 174202, April 07, 2015 ] 757 PHIL. 454 EN BANC [ G.R. No. 174202,
...OF VALLADOLID, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL; AND HENRY L. JORDAN AND/OR HLJ CONSTRUCTION AND ENTERPRISE, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Republic Act No. 8975 does not sanction splitting a cause of action in order for ...
[ G.R. No. 208293, December 10, 2014 ] 749 PHIL. 948 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R.
...CARMELITA S. SANTOS, REYME L. SANTOS, ANGEL L. SANTOS, BUENVENIDO L. SANTOS, ET AL., RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: The standard of diligence required of banks is higher than the degree of diligence of ...
[ G.R. No. 218666, April 26, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 218666, April
...DE VERA, PETITIONERS, VS. HEIRS OF GABINO T. VILLANOZA, REPRESENTED BY BONIFACIO A. VILLANOZA, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law, the landowner may retain a maximum of five (3) ...

[ G.R. No. 218666, April 26, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 218666, April
...DE VERA, PETITIONERS, VS. HEIRS OF GABINO T. VILLANOZA, REPRESENTED BY BONIFACIO A. VILLANOZA, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law, the landowner may retain a maximum of five (3) ...
[ G.R. No. 187094, February 15, 2017 ] 805 Phil. 736 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R.
...OF INVESTIGATING PROSECUTORS, AND RAUL M. GONZALEZ, IN HIS CAPACITY AS SECRETARY OF JUSTICE, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Upon filing of an information in court, trial court judges must determine the existence or ...
[ G.R. No. 174333, April 20, 2016 ] 785 Phil. 409 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No.
...U. SANTOS, SIMON MARCE, JR., JOEL F. SALINEL, BEBIANA SAN PEDRO, AND MARINA SANTOS, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: When a motion to dismiss is filed, only allegations of ultimate facts are hypothetically admitted. ...
[ G.R. No. 158836, September 30, 2015 ] 770 PHIL. 465 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R.
...R. No. 160778] SUNRISE GARDEN CORPORATION, PETITIONER, VS. FIRST ALLIANCE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT, INC., RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: A person who is not a party in the main action cannot be the subject ...
[ G.R. No. 210554, August 05, 2015 ] 765 Phil. 926 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No
...L. CALO, PRESIDING JUDGE OF BRANCH 211 OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, MANDALUYONG CITY, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: A disbarred lawyer's name cannot be part of a firm's name. A lawyer ...
[ G.R. No. 187420, August 09, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 187420, Augus
...POWER CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS, POWER SECTOR ASSETS & LIABILITIES MANAGEMENT AND PSALM BOARD DIRECTORS, RESPONDENTS. DECISIONLEONEN, J.: A petition for injunction under Section 78 of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of ...
[ G.R. No. 109645, January 21, 2015 ] 751 Phil. 52 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No
...CAPACITY AS PRESIDING JUDGE OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF QUEZON CITY, BRANCH 216, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: These consolidated cases involve matters that have long been settled by this court. However, petitioner ...
[ G.R. No. 125346, November 11, 2014 ] 746 PHIL. 433 EN BANC [ G.R. No. 1253
...R. No. 165499] LA SUERTE CIGAR & CIGARETTE FACTORY, PETITIONER, VS. COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, RESPONDENT. DECISION LEONEN, J.: These cases involve the taxability of stemmed leaf tobacco imported and locally purchased by cigarette ...
[ G.R. No. 187869, September 13, 2017 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 187869, Sep
...OR OFFICIAL CAPACITIES AND MEGA INTEGRATED AGRO-LIVESTOCK FARM CORPORATION PRESIDENT ERWIN BRYAN SEE * , RESPONDENTS. DECISION LEONEN, J.: Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code, requires prior authorization from ...
[ G.R. No. 184092, February 22, 2017 ] 806 Phil. 252 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R.
...R. No. 186570] SUSANA B. CABAHUG, PETITIONER, VS. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES AND SANDIGANBAYAN, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: The Commission on Audit is the guardian of public funds with the mandate to review ...

[ G.R. No. 186432, March 12, 2019 ] EN BANC [ G.R. No. 186432, March 12, 2019
...BEDUYA, RIS B. ABUCAY-­BUANTE, ELVER B. ABUCAY, REDELISA ABUCAY-AGUSTIN, RHOTA B. ABUCAY, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: The jurisdiction over the administrative implementation of agrarian laws exclusively belongs to the Department of ...
[ G.R. No. 187257, February 07, 2017 ] 805 Phil. 294 EN BANC [ G.R. No. 1872
...ELERIA, MELITO B. LUPANGCO, NAPOCOR EMPLOYEES CONSOLIDATED UNION AND NAPOCOR EMPLOYEES AND WORKERS UNION, RESPONDENTS. DECISION LEONEN, J.: The implementation of Republic Act No. 6758 resulted in the integration of all allowances previously ...
[ G.R. No. 187291, December 05, 2016 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 187291, Dec
...AND JUANITO K. AMPAGUEY, IN HIS CAPACITY AS REGISTRAR OF DEEDS OF BAGUIO CITY, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Land registration cases that only resolve the propriety of the results of a resurvey of ...
[ G.R. No. 202781, January 10, 2017 ] 803 Phil. 36 EN BANC [ G.R. No. 202781
...ABC REPRESENTATIVE, AND HON. MARIE CAMILLE C. MANANSALA, IN HER CAPACITY AS SKF REPRESENTATIVE, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: Parties must comply with the doctrines on hierarchy of courts and exhaustion of administrative remedies. ...
[ G.R. No. 191545, March 29, 2017 ] SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. No. 191545, March
...MALIBIRAN, ORLANDO C. MALIBIRAN, RICARDO LLAMOSO AND SANTA DIMAYUGA, REPRESENTED BY JOSE C. BASCONILLO, RESPONDENTS. DECISION LEONEN, J.: Republic Act No. 6657 or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law generally covers all public and ...
[ G.R. No. 220383, October 05, 2016 ] 796 Phil. 817 SECOND DIVISION [ G.R. N
...JERRY MONTELIBANO, PETITIONERS, VS. UNIVERSAL ROBINA CORPORATION, SUGAR DIVISION-SOUTHERN NEGROS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (SONEDCO), RESPONDENT.DECISION LEONEN, J.: An employer who refuses to bargain with the union and tries to restrict its bargaining ...
[ G.R. No. 208827, March 14, 2016 ] THIRD DIVISION [ G.R. No. 208827, March 1
...J ., no part in view of the concurrence of his spouse in the assailed CA decision; Leonen , J ., designated Additional Member per Raffle dated February 29, 2016.) Very truly yours, (Sgd.) WILFREDO V. ...
[ G.R. No. 215988, April 10, 2019 ] EN BANC [ G.R. No. 215988, April 10, 2019
...PRIME HOLDINGS AND SM SUPERMALLS, AND THEIR OFFICERS AND AGENTS ACTING ON THEIR BEHALF, RESPONDENTS.DECISION LEONEN, J.: The depth, quality, and complexity of our forests' biodiversity is a marker of humanity's ...