Case Digest Conflict Final

SPSPS College of Law Equitatus Legis

November

G.R. No. 149177

23,

2007 KAZUHIRO KAZUHIRO HASEGAW HASEGAWA A and NIPPON NIPPON ENGINEERI ENGINEERING NG CONSULT CONSULTAN ANTS TS CO., LTD., LTD., Petitioners, vs. INORU KITAURA, Res!ondent. FACTS:

On ar"# $%%%, Ni!!on En&ineerin& Cons'(tants Co., Ltd, a )a!anese *ir+, as "ontra"ted - t#e De!art+ent o* P'-(i" Wor/s and Hi&#as 0DPWH1 to s'!ervise t#e "onstr'"tion o* t#e So't#ern Ta&a(o& A""ess Road. In A!ri( $%%%, $%%%, Ni!!on Ni!!on entered entered into into an inde!e inde!ende ndent nt "ontra"t "ontra"tor or a&ree+ a&ree+ent ent 0ICA1 0ICA1 it# it# inor' Kita+'ra *or t#e (atter to #ead t#e said !ro2e"t. T#e ICA as entered into in )a!an and is e**e"tive *or a !eriod o* $ ear 0so 'nti( A!ri( 34441. In )an'ar 3444, DPWH aarded t#e 5on&a-on65a(er Road !ro2e"t to Ni!!on. Ni!!on s'-se7'ent( assi&ned Kita+'ra to #ead t#e road !ro2e"t. 5't in 8e-r'ar 3444, Ka9'#iro Hase&aa, t#e &enera( +ana&er o* Ni!!on in*or+ed Kita+'ra t#at t#e ere !re6ter+inatin& #is "ontra"t. Kita+'ra so'&#t Ni!!on to re"onsider -'t Ni!!o Ni!!on n re*'s re*'sed ed to ne&o ne&otitiat ate. e. Kita Kita+' +'ra ra t#en t#en *i(e *i(ed d a "o+! "o+!(a (ain intt *or *or s!e" s!e"i*i*i" i" !er*or+an"e and da+a&es a&ainst Ni!!on in t#e RTC o* Li!a. Hase&aa *i(ed a +otion to dis+iss on t#e &ro'nd t#at t#e "ontra"t as entered in )a!an: #en"e, a!!(in& t#e !rin"i!(e o* (e; (o"i "e(e-ra"ionis, "ases arisin& *ro+ t#e "ontra"t s#o'(d -e "o&ni9a-(e on( - )a!anese "o'rts. T#e tria( "o'rt denied t#e +otion. Event'a((, Ni!!on *i(ed a !etition *or "ertiorari it# t#e S'!re+e Co'rt. Hase&aa, on a!!ea( si&ni*i"ant( "#an&ed its t#eor, t#is ti+e invo/in& *or'+ non "onveniens: t#at t#e RTC is an in"onvenient *or'+ -e"a'se t#e !arties are )a!anese nationa(s #o entered into a "ontra"t in )a!an. Kita+'ra, on t#e ot#er #and, invo/es t#e tria( "o'rt
S#o'(d t#e "o+!(aint a&ainst Ni!!on -e dis+issed= HELD:

No. T#e tria( "o'rt did t#e !ro!er t#in& in ta/in& "o&ni9an"e o* it. In t#e *irst !(a"e, t#e "ase *i(ed - Kita+'ra is a "o+!(aint *or s!e"i*i" !er*or+an"e and da+a&es. S'"# "ase is in"a!a-(e o* !e"'niar esti+ation: s'"# "ases are it#in t#e 2'risdi"tion o* t#e re&iona( tria( "o'rt. Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 1


Hase Hase&a &a a *i(e *i(ed d #is #is +oti +otion on to dis+ dis+is isss on t#e t#e &ro' &ro'nd nd o* *or' *or'+ + non non "onveniens. Hoever, s'"# &ro'nd is not one o* t#ose !rovided *or - t#e R'(es as a &ro'nd *or dis+issin& a "ivi( "ase. T#e S'!re+e Co'rt a(so e+!#asi9ed t#at t#e "ontention t#at )a!anese (as s#o'(d a!!( is !re+at're. In "on*(i"ts "ases, t#ere are t#ree !#ases and ea"# ne;t !#ase "o++en"es #en one is sett(ed, to it> $. Jurisdiction ? Where should litigation be initiated? Co'rt +'st #ave 2'risdi"tion over t#e s'-2e"t +atter, t#e !arties, t#e iss'es, t#e !ro!ert, !ro!ert, and t#e res. A(so "onsidered, #et#er it is *air to "a'se a de*endant to trave( to t#is state: "#oi"e o* (a as/s *'rt#er 7'estion #et#er t#e a!!(i"ation o* a s'-stantive (a #i"# i(( deter+ine t#e +erits o* t#e "ase is *air to -ot# !arties. L#$ – Which law will the court apply? On"e a (o"a( "o'rt ta/es 3. Coic! o" L#$ – "o&ni9an"e, it does not no t +ean t#at t#e (o"a( (as (a s +'st a'to+ati"a(( a!!(. T#e "o'rt +'st deter+ine #i"# s'-stantive (a #en a!!(ied to t#e +erits i(( -e *air to -ot# !arties. Jud%&!nt – Where can the resulting @. R!co%nition #nd En"orc!&!nt o" Jud%&!nt – judgment be enforced?

T#is "ase is not et in t#e se"ond !#ase -e"a'se '!on t#e RTC
Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 2


G. R. No. 1'((77

)cto*!r 1+, '(((

THE ANILA HOTEL CORP. AND ANILA HOTEL INTL. LTD. !etitioners, vs. NATIONA NAT IONAL L LA5O LA5OR R RE RELA LAT TIONS IONS CO COIS ISSI SION ON,, AR5 R5IT ITER ER CE CE8E 8ERI RINA NA ). DIOSANA AND AND ARCELO G. SANTOS, res!ondents. FACTS:

In a $%, Santos as #ired as an overseas or/er in O+an. In )'ne, #e as re"r'ited - Pa(a"e Hote( in C#ina. W#i(e #e as sti(( in O+an, -e"a'se it o**ered #i&#er !a and -ene*its, Santos a""e!ted t#e o**er and started or/in& in Nove+-er. T#e e+!(o+ent -eteen #i+ and Pa(a"e Hote( as it#o't t#e intervention o* POEA. In A'&'st $%%, Santos as in*or+ed #e i(( -e ter+inated d'e to -'siness reverses. S'-se7'ent(, #e as ter+inated and !aid a(( -ene*its d'e to #i+, in"('din& !(ane *are -a"/ to t#e P#i(i!!ines. In 8e-r'ar $%%4, Santos *i(ed a "o+!(aint *or i((e&a( dis+issa( a&ainst ani(a Hote( Cor!., 0HC1, a &overn+ent oned and "ontro((ed "or!oration and ani(a Hote( Internationa(, Ltd 0HIL1, a Hon& Kon& Cor!, B4 o* #i"# is oned - HL. T#e LA de"ided t#e "ase a&ainst !etitioners. Petitioners a!!ea(ed to t#e NLRC, ar&'in& t#at t#e POEA, not t#e NLRC #ad 2'risdi"tion over t#e "ase. T#e NLRC !ro+'(&ated !ro+'(&ated a reso('tion, reso('tion, statin& statin& t#at t#e a!!ea(ed a!!ea(ed De"ision -e de"(ared de"(ared n'(( and void *or ant o* 2'risdi"tion. Santos Santos +oved +oved *or re"onsi re"onsider derati ation on o* t#e a*ore67 a*ore67'ot 'oted ed reso('t reso('tion ion.. He ar&'ed t#at t#e "ase as not "o&ni9a-(e - t#e POEA as #e as not an overseas "ontra"t or/er. T#e La-or Ar-iter &ranted t#e +otion and reversed itse(*. T#e NLRC dire"ted anot#er LA to #ear t#e "ase on t#e 7'estion o* #et#er !rivate !rivate res!ondent res!ondent as retren"#ed retren"#ed or dis+issed. dis+issed. T#e LA *o'nd t#at Santos as i((e&a(( dis+issed *ro+ e+!(o+ent and re"o++ended t#at #e -e !aid a"t'a( da+a&es e7'iva(ent to #is sa(aries *or t#e 'ne;!ired !ortion o* #is "ontra"t. T#e NLRC r'(ed in *avo'r o* !rivate res!ondent. ISSUE:

W#et#er or not t#e NLRC #as 2'risdi"tion over t#e "ase= HELD:

No. NLRC #ad not 2'risdi"tion over t#e "ase. It is an in"onvenient *or'+. T#o'&# Santos is a 8i(i!ino, #is "ontra"t as not entered into in t#e P#i(i!!ines. It as a(so entered into it#o't t#e intervention o* POEA.



A(t#o'&# HC ons B4 o* HIL, it #as no dire"t -'siness in t#e a**airs o* t#e Pa(a"e Hote(. HC and HIL are se!arate entities. 8'rt#er, HIL and t#e Pa(a"e Hote( are not doin& -'siness in t#e P#i(i!!ines: t#eir a&entsFo**i"ers are not residents o* t#e P#i(i!!ines. Under t#e r'(e o* *or'+ non "onveniens, a P#i(i!!ine "o'rt or a&en" +a ass'+e 2'risdi"tion over t#e "ase i* it "#ooses to do so !rovided> 0$1 t#at t#e P#i(i!!ine "o'rt is one to #i"# t#e !arties +a "onvenient( resort to: 031 t#at t#e P#i(i!!ine "o'rt is in a !osition to +a/e an inte((i&ent de"ision as to t#e (a and t#e *a"ts: and 0@1 t#at t#e P#i(i!!ine "o'rt #as or is (i/e( to #ave !oer to en*or"e its de"ision. T#e "onditions are 'navai(in& in t#e "ase at -ar.



G.R. No. 1('''+

Au%ust '', 199-

COUNICATION ATERIALS AND DESIGN, INC., ASPAC ULTI6TRADE, INC., 0*or+er( ASPAC6ITEC PHILIPPINES, INC.1 and 8RANCISCO S. AGUIRRE, !etitioners, vs. THE COURT O8 APPEALS, ITEC INTERNATIONAL, INC., and ITEC, INC., res!ondents. FACTS:

Petitioners COUNICATION ATERIALS AND DESIGN, INC., 0CDI, *or -revit1 and ASPAC ULTI6TRADE INC., 0ASPAC, *or -revit1 are -ot# do+esti" "or!orations, #i(e !etitioner 8ran"is"o S. A&'irre is t#eir President and +a2orit sto"/#o(der. Private Res!ondents ITEC, INC. andFor ITEC, INTERNATIONAL, INC. 0ITEC, *or -revit1 are "or!orations d'( or&ani9ed and e;istin& 'nder t#e (as o* t#e State o* A(a-a+a, United States o* A+eri"a. T#ere is no dis!'te t#at ITEC is a *orei&n "or!oration not (i"ensed to do -'siness in t#e P#i(i!!ines. On A'&'st $, $%, ITEC entered into a "ontra"t it# !etitioner ASPAC re*erred to as Re!resentative A&ree+ent. T#ro'&# a Li"ense A&ree+ent entered into - t#e sa+e !arties on Nove+-er $4, $%, ASPAC as a-(e to in"or!orate and 'se t#e na+e ITEC in its on na+e. T#'s, ASPAC '(ti6Trade, In". -e"a+e (e&a(( and !'-(i"( /non as ASPAC6ITEC 0P#i(i!!ines1. 5 virt'e o* said "ontra"ts, ASPAC so(d e(e"troni" !rod'"ts, e;!orted - ITEC, to t#eir so(e "'sto+er, t#e P#i(i!!ine Lon& Distan"e Te(e!#one Co+!an, 0PLDT, *or -revit1. To *a"i(itate t#eir transa"tions, ASPAC, dea(in& 'nder its ne a!!e((ation, and PLDT e;e"'ted a do"'+ent entit(ed PLDT6ASPACFITEC PROTOCOL #i"# de*ined t#e !ro2e"t detai(s *or t#e s'!!( o* ITECJs Inter*a"e E7'i!+ent in "onne"tion it# t#e 8i*t# E;!ansion Pro&ra+ o* PLDT. One ear into t#e se"ond ter+ o* t#e !artiesJ Re!resentative A&ree+ent, ITEC de"ided to ter+inate t#e sa+e, -e"a'se !etitioner ASPAC a((e&ed( vio(ated its "ontra"t'a( "o++it+ent as sti!'(ated in t#eir a&ree+ents. ITEC "#ar&es t#e !etitioners and anot#er P#i(i!!ine Cor!oration, DIGITAL 5ASE COUNICATIONS, INC. 0DIGITAL, *or -revit1, t#e President o* #i"# is (i/eise !etitioner A&'irre, o* 'sin& /no(ed&e and in*or+ation o* ITECJs !rod'"ts s!e"i*i"ations to deve(o! t#eir on (ine o* e7'i!+ent and !rod'"t s'!!ort, #i"# are si+i(ar, i* not identi"a( to ITECJs on, and o**erin& t#e+ to ITECJs *or+er "'sto+er. On )an'ar @$, $%%$, t#e "o+!(aint in Civi( Case No. %$63%, as *i(ed it# t#e Re&iona( Tria( Co'rt o* a/ati, 5ran"# $@. In d'e ti+e, de*endants *i(ed a +otion to dis+iss t#e "o+!(aint. Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 5


On 8e-r'ar , $%%$, t#e "o+!(aint as a+ended - virt'e o* #i"# ITEC INTERNATIONAL, INC. as s'-stit'ted as !(ainti** instead o* ITEC, INC. In t#eir S'!!(e+enta( otion to Dis+iss, de*endants too/ note o* t#e a+end+ent o* t#e "o+!(aint and as/ed t#e "o'rt to "onsider in toto t#eir +otion to dis+iss and t#eir s'!!(e+enta( +otion as t#eir anser to t#e a+ended "o+!(aint. A*ter "ond'"tin& #earin&s on t#e !raer *or !re(i+inar in2'n"tion, t#e "o'rt a quo on 8e-r'ar 33, $%%$, iss'ed its Order> 0$1 denin& t#e +otion to dis+iss *or -ein& devoid o* (e&a( +erit it# a re2e"tion o* -ot# &ro'nds re(ied '!on - t#e de*endants in t#eir +otion to dis+iss, and 031 dire"tin& t#e iss'an"e o* a rit o* !re(i+inar in2'n"tion on t#e sa+e da. 8ro+ t#e *ore&oin& order, !etitioners e(evated t#e "ase to t#e res!ondent Co'rt o* A!!ea(s on a Petition *or Certiorari and Pro#i-ition 'nder R'(e B o* t#e Revised R'(es o* Co'rt. T#e res!ondent a!!e((ate "o'rt dis+issed t#e "ase. ISSUE:

W#et#er or not !rivate res!ondent ITEC is an 'n(i"ensed "or!oration doin& -'siness in t#e P#i(i!!ines, and i* it is, #et#er or not t#is *a"t -ars it *ro+ invo/in& t#e in2'n"tive a't#orit o* o'r "o'rts. HELD:

Considerin& t#e a-ove, it is ne"essar to state #at is +eant - doin& -'siness in t#e P#i(i!!ines. Se"tion $@@ o* t#e Cor!oration Code, !rovides t#at No *orei&n "or!oration, transa"tin& -'siness in t#e P#i(i!!ines it#o't a (i"ense, or its s'""essors or assi&ns, s#a(( -e !er+itted to +aintain or intervene in an a"tion, s'it or !ro"eedin& in an "o'rt or ad+inistrative a&en" o* t#e P#i(i!!ines: -'t s'"# "or!oration +a -e s'ed or !ro"eeded a&ainst -e*ore P#i(i!!ine Co'rts or ad+inistrative tri-'na(s on an va(id "a'se o* a"tion re"o&ni9ed 'nder P#i(i!!ine (as. Wit# t#e a-ovestated !re"edents in +ind, e are !ers'aded to "on"('de t#at !rivate res!ondent #ad -een en&a&ed in or doin& -'siness in t#e P#i(i!!ines *or so+e ti+e no. T#is is t#e inevita-(e res'(t a*ter a s"r'tin o* t#e di**erent "ontra"ts and a&ree+ents entered into - ITEC it# its vario's -'siness "onta"ts in t#e "o'ntr, !arti"'(ar( ASPAC and Te(e!#one E7'i!+ent Sa(es and Servi"es, In". 0TESSI, *or -revit1. T#e (atter is a (o"a( e(e"troni"s *ir+ en&a&ed - ITEC to -e its (o"a( te"#ni"a( re!resentative, and to "reate a servi"e "enter *or ITEC !rod'"ts so(d (o"a((. Its arran&e+ents, it# t#ese entities indi"ate "onvin"in&( ITECJs !'r!ose to -rin& a-o't t#e sit'ation a+on& its "'sto+ers and t#e &enera( !'-(i" t#at t#e are dea(in& dire"t( it# ITEC, and t#at ITEC is a"tive( en&a&in& in -'siness in t#e "o'ntr. A *orei&n "or!oration doin& -'siness in t#e P#i(i!!ines +a s'e in P#i(i!!ine Co'rts a(t#o'&# not a't#ori9ed to do -'siness #ere a&ainst a P#i(i!!ine "iti9en or entit #o #ad "ontra"ted it# and -ene*ited - said "or!oration. To !'t it in anot#er a, a !art is esto!!ed to "#a((en&e t#e !ersona(it o* a "or!oration a*ter #avin& a"/no(ed&ed t#e sa+e - enterin& into a "ontra"t it# it. And t#e do"trine o* esto!!e( to den "or!orate e;isten"e a!!(ies to a *orei&n as e(( as to do+esti" "or!orations. One #o #as dea(t it# a "or!oration o* *orei&n ori&in as a "or!orate entit is esto!!ed to den its Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 6


"or!orate e;isten"e and "a!a"it> T#e !rin"i!(e i(( -e a!!(ied to !revent a !erson "ontra"tin& it# a *orei&n "or!oration *ro+ (ater ta/in& advanta&e o* its non"o+!(ian"e it# t#e stat'tes "#ie*( in "ases #ere s'"# !erson #as re"eived t#e -ene*its o* t#e "ontra"t. 5 enterin& into t#e Re!resentative A&ree+ent it# ITEC, Petitioner is "#ar&ed it# /no(ed&e t#at ITEC as not (i"ensed to en&a&e in -'siness a"tivities in t#e "o'ntr, and is t#'s esto!!ed *ro+ raisin& in de*ense s'"# in"a!a"it o* ITEC, #avin& "#osen to i&nore or even !res'+!tive( ta/e advanta&e o* t#e sa+e. In To!6We(d, e r'(ed t#at a *orei&n "or!oration +a -e e;e+!ted *ro+ t#e (i"ense re7'ire+ent in order to instit'te an a"tion in o'r "o'rts i* its re!resentative in t#e "o'ntr +aintained an inde!endent stat's d'rin& t#e e;isten"e o* t#e dis!'ted "ontra"t. Petitioner is dee+ed to #ave a""eded to s'"# inde!endent "#ara"ter #en it entered into t#e Re!resentative A&ree+ent it# ITEC, !arti"'(ar(, !rovision .3 0 supra1. PetitionerJs insisten"e on t#e dis+issa( o* t#is a"tion d'e to t#e a!!(i"ation, or non6a!!(i"ation, o* t#e !rivate internationa( (a r'(e o* *or'+ non conveniens de*ies e((6sett(ed r'(es o* *air !(a. A""ordin& to !etitioner, t#e P#i(i!!ine Co'rt #as no ven'e to a!!( its dis"retion #et#er to &ive "o&ni9an"e or not to t#e !resent a"tion, -e"a'se it #as not a"7'ired 2'risdi"tion over t#e !erson o* t#e !(ainti** in t#e "ase, t#e (atter a((e&ed( #avin& no !ersona(it to s'e -e*ore P#i(i!!ine Co'rts. T#is ar&'+ent is +is!(a"ed -e"a'se t#e "o'rt #as a(read a"7'ired 2'risdi"tion over t#e !(ainti** in t#e s'it, - virt'e o* #is *i(in& t#e ori&ina( "o+!(aint. And as e #ave a(read o-served, !etitioner is not at (i-ert to 7'estion !(ainti**Js standin& to s'e, #avin& a(read a""eded to t#e sa+e - virt'e o* its entr into t#e Re!resentative A&ree+ent re*erred to ear(ier. T#'s, #avin& a"7'ired 2'risdi"tion, it is no *or t#e P#i(i!!ine Co'rt, -ased on t#e *a"ts o* t#e "ase, #et#er to &ive d'e "o'rse to t#e s'it or dis+iss it, on t#e !rin"i!(e o* *or'+ non convenience. Hen"e, t#e P#i(i!!ine Co'rt +a re*'se to ass'+e 2'risdi"tion in s!ite o* its #avin& a"7'ired 2'risdi"tion. Converse(, t#e "o'rt +a ass'+e 2'risdi"tion over t#e "ase i* it "#ooses to do so: !rovided, t#at t#e *o((oin& re7'isites are +et> $1 T#at t#e P#i(i!!ine Co'rt is one to #i"# t#e !arties +a "onvenient( resort to: 31 T#at t#e P#i(i!!ine Co'rt is in a !osition to +a/e an inte((i&ent de"ision as to t#e (a and t#e *a"ts: and, @1 T#at t#e P#i(i!!ine Co'rt #as or is (i/e( to #ave !oer to en*or"e its de"ision. T#e a*oresaid re7'ire+ents #avin& -een +et, and in vie o* t#e "o'rtJs dis!osition to &ive d'e "o'rse to t#e 7'estioned a"tion, t#e +atter o* t#e !resent *or'+ not -ein& t#e +ost "onvenient as a &ro'nd *or t#e s'itJs dis+issa(, deserves s"ant "onsideration.



G.R. No. 7'494

Au%ust 11, 199

HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI 5ANKING CORPORATION, !etitioner, vs. )ACK RO5ERT SHERAN, DEODATO RELO) and THE INTEREDIATE APPELLATE COURT, res!ondents. FACTS:

It a!!ears t#at so+eti+e in $%$, Eastern 5oo/ S'!!( Servi"e PTE, Ltd. 0COPAN1, a "o+!an in"or!orated in Sin&a!ore a!!(ied it# and as &ranted - HS5C Sin&a!ore -ran"# an overdra*t *a"i(it in t#e +a;i+'+ a+o'nt o* Sin&a!ore do((ars 344,444 it# interest at @ over HS5C !ri+e rate, !aa-(e +ont#(, on a+o'nts d'e 'nder said overdra*t *a"i(it. In $%3, -ot# !rivate res!ondents and a "ertain Loe, a(( o* #o+ ere dire"tors o* t#e COPAN at s'"# ti+e, e;e"'ted a )oint and Severa( G'arantee in *avor o* HS5C #ere- !rivate res!ondents and Loe a&reed to !a, 2oint( and severa((, on de+and a(( s'+s oed - t#e COPAN to !etitioner 5ANK 'nder t#e a*orestated overdra*t *a"i(it. T#e )oint and Severa( G'arantee !rovides, inter a(ia, t#at> T#is &'arantee and a(( ri&#ts, o-(i&ations and (ia-i(ities arisin& #ere'nder s#a(( -e "onstr'ed and deter+ined 'nder and +a -e en*or"ed in a""ordan"e it# t#e (as o* t#e Re!'-(i" o* Sin&a!ore. We #ere- a&ree t#at t#e Co'rts o* Sin&a!ore s#a(( #ave 2'risdi"tion over a(( dis!'tes arisin& 'nder t#is &'arantee. M

T#e COPAN *ai(ed to !a its o-(i&ation. T#'s, HS5C de+anded !a+ent and inas+'"# as t#e !rivate res!ondents sti(( *ai(ed to !a, HS5C *i(ed a "o+!(aint *or "o((e"tion o* a s'+ o* +one a&ainst !rivate res!ondents S#er+an and Re(o2 -e*ore Re&iona( Tria( Co'rt o* 'e9on Cit. Private res!ondents *i(ed a otion to Dis+iss on t#e &ro'nd o* (a"/ o* 2'risdi"tion over t#e s'-2e"t +atter. T#e tria( "o'rt denied t#e +otion. T#e t#en *i(ed -e*ore t#e res!ondent Inter+ediate A!!e((ate Co'rt 0IAC1 a !etition *or !ro#i-ition it# !re(i+inar in2'n"tion andFor !raer *or a restrainin& order. T#e IAC rendered a de"ision en2oinin& t#e Re&iona( Tria( Co'rt 'e9on Cit *ro+ ta/in& *'rt#er "o&ni9an"e o* t#e "ase and to dis+iss t#e sa+e *or *i(in& it# t#e !ro!er "o'rt o* Sin&a!ore #i"# is t#e !ro!er *or'+. otion *or Re"onsideration denied, #en"e t#is !etition. ISSUE:

W#et#er or not P#i(i!!ine "o'rts #ave 2'risdi"tion over t#e s'it, vis6a6vis t#e G'arantee sti!'(ation re&ardin& 2'risdi"tion= Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 8


HELD:

ES One -asi" !rin"i!(e 'nder(ies a(( r'(es o* 2'risdi"tion in Internationa( La> A State does not #ave 2'risdi"tion in t#e a-sen"e o* so+e reasona-(e -asis *or e;er"isin& it, #et#er t#e !ro"eedin&s are in re+, 7'asi in re+ or in !ersona+. To -e reasona-(e, t#e 2'risdi"tion +'st -e -ased on so+e +ini+'+ "onta"ts t#at i(( not o**end traditiona( notions o* *air !(a and s'-stantia( 2'sti"e. T#e de*ense o* !rivate res!ondents t#at t#e "o+!(aint s#o'(d #ave -een *i(ed in Sin&a!ore is -ased +ere( on te"#ni"a(it. T#e did not even "(ai+, +'"# (ess !rove, t#at t#e *i(in& o* t#e a"tion #ere i(( "a'se t#e+ an 'nne"essar tro'-(e, da+a&e, or e;!ense. On t#e ot#er #and, t#ere is no s#oin& t#at !etitioner 5ANK *i(ed t#e a"tion #ere 2'st to #arass !rivate res!ondents. In t#e "ase o* Nevi((e . La+is( Ents., et a(. v. La&a+on, et"., #ere t#e sti!'(ation as in "ase o* (iti&ation, 2'risdi"tion s#a(( -e vested in t#e Co'rt o* Davao Cit. We #e(d> Anent t#e "(ai+ t#at Davao Cit #ad -een sti!'(ated as t#e ven'e, s'**i"e it to sa t#at a sti!'(ation as to ven'e does not !re"('de t#e *i(in& o* s'its in t#e residen"e o* !(ainti** or de*endant 'nder Se"tion 3 0-1, R'(e , R'(es o* Co'rt, in t#e a-sen"e o* 7'a(i*in& or restri"tive ords in t#e a&ree+ent #i"# o'(d indi"ate t#at t#e !(a"e na+ed is t#e on( ven'e a&reed '!on - t#e !arties. A!!(in& t#e *ore&oin& to t#e "ase at -ar, t#e !arties did not t#ere- sti!'(ate t#at on( t#e "o'rts o* Sin&a!ore, to t#e e;"('sion o* a(( t#e rest, #as 2'risdi"tion. Neit#er did t#e "(a'se in 7'estion o!erate to divest P#i(i!!ine "o'rts o* 2'risdi"tion. In Internationa( La, 2'risdi"tion is o*ten de*ined as t#e (i&#t o* a State to e;er"ise a't#orit over !ersons and t#in&s it#in its -o'ndaries s'-2e"t to "ertain e;"e!tions. T#'s, a State does not ass'+e 2'risdi"tion over trave((in& soverei&ns, a+-assadors and di!(o+ati" re!resentatives o* ot#er States, and *orei&n +i(itar 'nits stationed in or +ar"#in& t#ro'&# State territor it# t#e !er+ission o* t#e (atter M In a "on*(i"t !ro-(e+, a "o'rt i(( si+!( re*'se to entertain t#e "ase i* it is not a't#ori9ed - (a to e;er"ise 2'risdi"tion. And even i* it is so a't#ori9ed, it +a sti(( re*'se to entertain t#e "ase - a!!(in& t#e !rin"i!(e o* *or'+ non "onveniens. M

Hoever, #et#er a s'it s#o'(d -e entertained or dis+issed on t#e -asis o* t#e !rin"i!(e o* *or'+ non "onveniens de!ends (ar&e( '!on t#e *a"ts o* t#e !arti"'(ar "ase and is addressed to t#e so'nd dis"retion o* t#e tria( "o'rt. T#'s, t#e IAC s#o'(d not #ave re(ied on s'"# !rin"i!(e. Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 9


Petition &ranted.



G.R. No. 1(+49+

Jun! 19, 1997

PHILSEC INQESTENT CORPORATION, 5PI6INTERNATIONAL 8INANCE LIITED, and ATHONA HOLDINGS, N.Q., !etitioners, vs. THE HONORA5LE COURT O8 APPEALS, $, INC., DRAGO DAIC, QENTURA O. DUCAT, PRECIOSO R. PERLAS, and WILLIA H. CRAIG, res!ondents. FACTS:

Private res!ondent Qent'ra O. D'"at o-tained se!arate (oans *ro+ !etitioners Aa(a Internationa( 8inan"e Li+ited 0AALA1 and P#i(se" Invest+ent Cor!oration 0PHILSEC1 in t#e s'+ o* US3,B44,444.44, se"'red - s#ares o* sto"/ oned - D'"at it# a +ar/et va('e o* P$,4,%%B.44. In order to *a"i(itate t#e !a+ent o* t#e (oans, !rivate res!ondent $, In"., t#ro'&# its !resident, !rivate res!ondent Dra&o Dai", ass'+ed D'"atJs o-(i&ation 'nder an A&ree+ent. $, In". e;e"'ted a arrant deed it# vendors (ien - #i"# a !ar"e( o* (and in Harris Co'nt Te;as, USA as so(d to Petitioner ATHONA *or US3,4,34%.43 in order to ass'+e D'"at

AALA ere ind'"ed to enter into t#e A&ree+ent and to !'r"#ase t#e Ho'ston !ro!ert. On A!ri( 34, $%, t#e tria( "o'rt iss'ed a rit o* !re(i+inar atta"#+ent a&ainst t#e rea( and !ersona( !ro!erties o* !rivate res!ondents. Private res!ondent D'"at +oved to dis+iss Civi( Case No. $B@ on t#e &ro'nds o* 0$1 (itis !endentia, vis6avis Civi( A"tion No. H664 *i(ed - $, In". and Dai" in t#e U.S., 031 *or'+ non "onveniens, and 0@1 *ai('re o* !etitioners PHILSEC and 5PI6I8L to state a "a'se o* a"tion. T#e tria( "o'rt &ranted D'"atJs +otion to dis+iss, statin& t#at t#e evidentiar re7'ire+ents o* t#e "ontrovers +a -e +ore s'ita-( tried -e*ore t#e *or'+ o* t#e (itis !endentia in t#e U.S., 'nder t#e !rin"i!(e in !rivate internationa( (a o* *or'+ non "onveniens. T#e tria( "o'rt a(so #e(d itse(* it#o't 2'risdi"tion over $, In". and Dai" -e"a'se t#e ere nonresidents and t#e a"tion as not an a"tion in re+ or 7'asi in re+, so t#at e;traterritoria( servi"e o* s'++ons as ine**e"tive. T#e tria( "o'rt s'-se7'ent( (i*ted t#e rit o* atta"#+ent it #ad ear(ier iss'ed a&ainst t#e s#ares o* sto"/s o* $, In". and Dai". A se!arate #earin& as #e(d it# re&ard to $, In". and Dai"Js +otion to dis+iss. T#e tria( "o'rt &ranted t#e +otion to dis+iss *i(ed - $, In". and Dai" on t#e &ro'nd o* (itis !endentia. Petitioners a!!ea(ed to t#e Co'rt o* A!!ea(s, ar&'in& t#at t#e tria( "o'rt erred in a!!(in& t#e !rin"i!(e o* (itis !endentia and *or'+ non "onveniens and in r'(in& t#at it #ad no 2'risdi"tion over t#e de*endants. T#e Co'rt o* A!!ea(s a**ir+ed t#e dis+issa(. ISSUES:

$. Wo'(d t#e "ivi( a"tion *i(ed -e -arred - t#e 2'd&+ent o* t#e U.S "o'rt= 3. Wo'(d t#e dis+issa( o* t#e "ivi( a"tion -e 2'sti*ied on t#e &ro'nd o* *or'+ non "onveniens= @. Does t#e tria( "o'rt #ave 2'risdi"tion over $, In". and Dai". RULINGS: 1. No. T#e *orei&n 2'd&+ent "annot -e &iven t#e e**e"t o* res 2'di"ata

it#o't &ivin& t#e+ an o!!ort'nit to i+!ea"# it on &ro'nds stated in R'(e @%, se". B4 o* t#e R'(es o* Co'rt, to it> ant o* 2'risdi"tion, ant o* noti"e to t#e !art, "o(('sion, *ra'd, or "(ear +ista/e o* (a or *a"t. In t#e "ase at -ar, it "annot -e said t#at !etitioners ere &iven t#e o!!ort'nit to "#a((en&e t#e 2'd&+ent o* t#e U.S. "o'rt as -asis *or de"(arin& it res 2'di"ata or "on"('sive o* t#e ri&#ts o* !rivate res!ondents. T#e !ro"eedin&s in t#e tria( "o'rt ere s'++ar. Neit#er t#e tria( "o'rt nor t#e a!!e((ate "o'rt as even *'rnis#ed "o!ies o* t#e !(eadin&s in t#e U.S. "o'rt or a!!rised o* t#e eviden"e !resented t#ereat, to ass're a !ro!er deter+ination o* #et#er t#e iss'es t#en -ein& (iti&ated in t#e U.S. "o'rt ere e;a"t( t#e iss'es raised in t#is "ase s'"# t#at t#e 2'd&+ent t#at



+i&#t -e rendered o'(d "onstit'te res 2'di"ata. As t#e tria( "o'rt stated in its dis!'ted order dated ar"# %, $%. '. No. T#e tria( "o'rt


G.R. Nos. 9(+(-/(7

Ju0 +(, 199(

K.K. SHELL SEKIU OSAKA HATSU5AISHO and 8U HING OIL CO., LTD., !etitioners, vs. THE HONORA5LE COURT O8 APPEALS, ATLANTIC QENUS CO., S.A., and THE QESSEL FQ ESTELLA, res!ondents FACTS:

K'+a&ai Kai'n Kais#a, Ltd. 0K'+a&ai1, a "or!oration *or+ed and e;istin& 'nder t#e (as o* )a!an, *i(ed a "o+!(aint *or t#e "o((e"tion o* a s'+ o* +one it# !re(i+inar atta"#+ent a&ainst At(anti" Qen's 0At(anti"1, a "or!oration re&istered in Pana+a, t#e vesse( Q Este((a and Cresta+onte S#i!!in& Cor!oration 0Cresta+onte1, a P#i(i!!ine "or!oration. At(anti" is t#e oner o* t#e Q Este((a. T#e "o+!(aint *i(ed it# t#e Re&iona( Tria( Co'rt, a((e&ed t#at Cresta+onte, as -are-oat "#arterer and o!erator o* t#e Q Este((a, a!!ointed N.S. S#i!!in& Cor!oration 0NSS1, a )a!anese "or!oration, as its &enera( a&ent in )a!an. T#e a!!oint+ent as *or+a(i9ed in an A&en" A&ree+ent. NSS in t'rn a!!ointed K'+a&ai as its (o"a( a&ent in Osa/a, )a!an. K'+a&ai s'!!(ied t#e Q Este((a it# s'!!(ies and servi"es'nti( it in"'rred -ar&ed e;!enses *or t#e tota( s'+ o* US $B3, $3.B -'t des!ite re!eated de+ands Cresta+onte *ai(ed to !a t#e a+o'nts d'e. NSS and Kei#in Narasa/i Cor!oration 0Kei#in1 *i(ed "o+!(aints6in6 intervention. Petitioner 8' Hin& Oi( Co., Ltd. 08' Hin&1, a "or!oration or&ani9ed in Hon& Kon& and not doin& -'siness in t#e P#i(i!!ines, *i(ed a +otion *or (eave to intervene it# an atta"#ed "o+!(aint6in6intervention, a((e&in& t#at 8' Hin& s'!!(ied +arine diese( oi(F*'e( to t#e Q Este((a and in"'rred -ar&e e;!enses *or t#e tota( s'+ o* One H'ndred 8i*t6to T#o'sand 8o'r H'ndred Te(ve Do((ars and 8i*t6Si; Cents 0US$B3,$3.B1 -'t s'"# #as re+ained 'n!aid des!ite de+and and t#at t#e "(ai+ "onstit'tes a +ariti+e (ien. T#e iss'an"e o* a rit o* atta"#+ent as a(so !raed *or. Petitioner K.K. S#e(( Se/i' Osa/a Hats'-ais#o 0K.K. S#e((1, a "or!oration or&ani9ed in )a!an and not doin& -'siness in t#e P#i(i!!ines, (i/eise *i(ed a +otion to intervene it# an atta"#ed "o+!(aint6in6intervention, a((e&in& t#at '!on re7'est o* NSS, Cresta+onteJs &enera( a&ent in )a!an, K.K. S#e(( !rovided and s'!!(ied +arine diese( oi(F*'e( to t#e FQ Este((a at t#e !orts o* To/o and 'ts're in )a!an and t#at des!ite !revio's de+ands Cresta+onte #as *ai(ed to !a t#e a+o'nts o* Si;teen T#o'sand Nine H'ndred Ninet6Si; Do((ars and Ninet6 Si; Cents 0US$,%%.%1 and One i((ion en 0$,444,444.441 and t#at Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 14


K.K. S#e((Js "(ai+ "onstit'tes a +ariti+e (ien on t#e Q Este((a. T#e "o+!(aint6in6 intervention so'&#t t#e iss'an"e o* a rit o* !re(i+inar atta"#+ent. T#e tria( "o'rt a((oed t#e intervention o* 8' Hin& and K.K. S#e(( res!e"tive(. Writs o* !re(i+inar atta"#+ent ere iss'ed '!on !ostin& o* t#e a!!ro!riate -onds and t#erea*ter dis"#ar&ed. At(anti" and t#e Q Este((a +oved to dis+iss t#e "o+!(aints6in6 intervention *i(ed - 8' Hin& and K.K. S#e((. At(anti" and t#e FQ Este((a *i(ed a !etition in t#e Co'rt o* A!!ea(s a&ainst t#e tria( "o'rt 2'd&e, K'+a&ai, NSS and Kei#in, #i"# so'&#t t#e ann'(+ent o* t#e orders o* t#e tria( "o'rt. A+on& ot#ers, t#e o+ni-'s order denied t#e +otion to re"onsider t#e order a((oin& 8' Hin&Js intervention and &ranted K.K. S#e((Js +otion to intervene. A&ain 8' Hin& and K.K. S#e(( intervened. T#e Co'rt o* A!!ea(s ann'((ed t#e orders o* t#e tria( "o'rt and dire"ted it to "ease and desist *ro+ !ro"eedin& it# t#e "ase. A""ordin& to t#e Co'rt o* A!!ea(s, 8' Hin& and K.K. S#e(( ere not s'!!(iers -'t s'-6a&ents o* NSS, #en"e t#e ere -o'nd - t#e A&en" A&ree+ent -eteen Cresta+onte and NSS, !arti"'(ar(, t#e "#oi"e o* *or'+ "(a'se, #i"# !rovides> $3.46T#at t#is A&ree+ent s#a(( -e &overned - t#e Las o* )a!an. An +atters, dis!'tes, andFor di**eren"es arisin& -eteen t#e !arties #ereto "on"erned re&ardin& t#is A&ree+ent s#a(( -e s'-2e"t e;"('sive( to t#e 2'risdi"tion o* t#e Distri"t Co'rts o* )a!an.

T#'s, "on"('ded t#e Co'rt o* A!!ea(s, t#e tria( "o'rt s#o'(d #ave disa((oed t#eir +otions to intervene. A +otion *or re"onsideration as *i(ed - 8' Hin& and K.K. S#e(( -'t t#is as denied - t#e Co'rt o* A!!ea(s. Hoever, Private res!ondents #ave anti"i!ated t#e !ossi-i(it t#at t#e "o'rts i(( not *ind t#at K.K. S#e(( is e;!ress( -o'nd - t#e A&en" A&ree+ent, and t#'s t#e *a(( -a"/ on t#e ar&'+ent t#at even i* t#is ere so, t#e do"trine o* *or'+ non "onveniens o'(d -e a va(id &ro'nd to "a'se t#e dis+issa( o* K.K. S#e((Js "o+!(aint6in6intervention. ISSUES:

W#et#er or not t#e do"trine o* *or'+ non "onveniens o'(d -e a va(id &ro'nd to "a'se t#e dis+issa( o* /./. s#e((Js "o+!(aint6in6intervention= RULING:

8ORU NON CONQENIENS "annot -e r'(ed as a va(id &ro'nd to "a'se t#e dis+issa( -e"a'se t#ere are sti(( n'+ero's +ateria( *a"ts to -e esta-(is#ed in order to arrive at a "on"('sion as to t#e tr'e nat're o* t#e re(ations#i! -eteen Cresta+onte and K.K. S#e(( and -eteen NSS and K.K. S#e((. T#e -est re"o'rse o'(d #ave -een to a((o t#e tria( "o'rt to !ro"eed it# "ase and "onsider #atever de*enses +a -e raised - !rivate res!ondents a*ter t#e #ave *i(ed t#eir anser and eviden"e to s'!!ort t#eir "on*(i"tin& "(ai+s #as -een !resented. Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 15


T#e S'!re+e Co'rt e('"idated t#'s> Neit#er are e read to r'(e on t#e !rivate res!ondentsJ invo"ation o* t#e do"trine o* *or'+ non "onveniens, as t#e e;a"t nat're o* t#e re(ations#i! o* t#e !arties is sti(( to -e esta-(is#ed. We (eave t#is +atter to t#e so'nd dis"retion o* t#e tria( "o'rt 2'd&e #o is in t#e -est !osition, a*ter so+e vita( *a"ts are esta-(is#ed, to deter+ine #et#er s!e"ia( "ir"'+stan"es re7'ire t#at #is "o'rt desist *ro+ ass'+in& 2'risdi"tion over t#e s'it. It as "(ear( reversi-(e error on t#e !art o* t#e Co'rt o* A!!ea(s to ann'( t#e tria( "o'rtJs orders, inso*ar as K.K. S#e(( is "on"erned, and order t#e tria( "o'rt to "ease and desist *ro+ !ro"eedin&.



No. (4/714+

DC. No. 2DL/((4(/2GR

United States Co'rt o* A!!ea(s, Nint# Cir"'it. IN RE> PHILIPPINE NATIONAL 5ANK, P#i(i!!ine Nationa( 5an/, Petitioner, vs. UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 8OR THE DISTRICT O8 HAWAII, RESPONDENT, AIO HILAO: ESTATE O8 8ERDINAND ARCOS: IELDA R. ARCOS: 8ERDINAND R. ARCOS, )R., REAL PARTIES IN INTEREST. FACTS:

T#ere are to !arties in t#is "ase #i"# so'&#t t#e estate o* ar"os. One is t#e C(ass P(ainti**s and t#e ot#er is t#e Re!'-(i" o* t#e P#i(i!!ines 0RP1. T#e U.S. Distri"t Co'rt 0USDC1 in Haaii rendered 2'd&+ent in *avor o* t#e "(ass o* !(ainti**s a&ainst t#e ar"os estate *or H'+an Ri&#ts vio(ations - t#e ar"os Re&i+e. T#e 2'd&+ent in"('ded an in2'n"tion restrainin& t#e estate *ro+ trans*errin& an estate

T#e P#i(i!!ine Nationa( 5an/ t#en *i(ed t#e !resent !etition *or +anda+'s in t#e U.S. %t# Cir"'it Co'rt o* A!!ea(s, see/in& to restrain t#e Distri"t Co'rt *ro+ en*or"in& its Order to S#o Ca'se and *ro+ !'rs'in& dis"over a&ainst t#e 5an/ o**i"er. T#e 5an/ asserted t#at it #ad trans*erred near( a(( o* t#e *'nds in iss'e to t#e Re!'-(i" o* t#e P#i(i!!ines !'rs'ant to t#e 2'd&+ent o* t#e P#i(i!!ine S'!re+e Co'rt. It "ontended t#at t#e entire !ro"eedin& a&ainst it *or its trans*er o* *'nds to t#e Re!'-(i" o* t#e P#i(i!!ines vio(ated t#e a"t o* state do"trine. ISSUE:

$. W#et#er or not t#e USDC o* Haaii vio(ated t#e a"t o* state do"trine= 3. W#et#er or not t#e a"t o* state do"trine do not a!!( to 2'di"ia( de"isions= @. W#et#er or not t#e a"t o* state do"trine as ina!!(i"a-(e -e"a'se t#e 2'd&+ent o* t#e P#i(i!!ine S'!re+e Co'rt did not "on"ern +atters it#in its on territor= HELD:

$. es. Ever soverei&n state is -o'nd to res!e"t t#e inde!enden"e o* ever ot#er soverei&n state, and t#e "o'rts o* one "o'ntr i(( not sit in 2'd&+ent on t#e a"ts o* t#e &overn+ent o* anot#er, done it#in its on territor. Redress o* &rievan"es - reason o* s'"# a"ts +'st -e o-tained t#ro'&# t#e +eans o!en to -e avai(ed o* - soverei&n !oers as -eteen t#e+se(ves. 0Under#i(( v. Hernande91 T#e Distri"t Co'rt


5e"a'se t#e RP


G.R. No. L/'+-7

Jun! -, 19-7

TESTATE ESTATE O8 AOS G. 5ELLIS, de"eased. PEOPLE
A+os G. 5e((is, a "iti9en o* t#e State o* Te;as and o* t#e United States e;e"'ted a i(( in t#e P#i(i!!ines, in #i"# #e dire"ted t#at a*ter a(( ta;es, o-(i&ations, and e;!enses o* ad+inistration are !aid, #is distri-'ta-(e estate s#o'(d -e divided a+on& #is #eirs, vi9> to #is *irst i*e 6 34,444.44, to #is t#ree 0@1 i((e&iti+ate "#i(dren, A+os 5e((is, )r., aria Cristina 5e((is and iria+ Pa(+a 5e((is ? P#! 4,444.44 ea"# and t#e re+ainder s#a(( &o to a(( #is s'rvivin& seven 01 "#i(dren - #is *irst and se"ond ives. S'-se7'ent(, A+os G. 5e((is died a resident o* San Antonio, Te;as, U.S.A. His i(( as ad+itted to !ro-ate Co'rt o* 8irst Instan"e o* ani(a on Se!te+-er $B, $%B. T#e Peo!(e


$. In deter+inin& t#e intrinsi" va(idit o* t#e i((, #at (a +'st a!!( ? Te;as (a or P#i(i!!ine (a= HELD:

T#e nationa( (a o* t#e de"edent +'st -e 'sed. T#e !arties do not s'-+it t#e "ase on, nor even dis"'ss, t#e do"trine o* renvoi, a!!(ied - t#is Co'rt in A9nar v. C#ristensen Gar"ia, L6$%, )an'ar @$, $%@. Said do"trine is 's'a(( !ertinent #ere t#e de"edent is a nationa( o* one "o'ntr, and a do+i"i(e o* anot#er. In t#e !resent "ase, it is not dis!'ted t#at t#e de"edent as -ot# a nationa( o* Te;as and a do+i"i(e t#ereo* at t#e ti+e o* #is deat#. So t#at even ass'+in& Te;as #as a "on*(i"t o* (a r'(e !rovidin& t#at t#e do+i"i(iar sste+ 0(a o* t#e do+i"i(e1 s#o'(d &overn, t#e sa+e o'(d not res'(t in a re*eren"e -a"/ 0renvoi1 to P#i(i!!ine (a, -'t o'(d sti(( re*er to Te;as (a. Nonet#e(ess, i* Te;as #as a "on*(i"ts r'(e ado!tin& t#e sit's t#eor 0(e; rei sitae1 "a((in& *or t#e a!!(i"ation o* t#e (a o* t#e !(a"e #ere t#e !ro!erties are sit'ated, renvoi o'(d arise, sin"e t#e !ro!erties #ere invo(ved are *o'nd in t#e P#i(i!!ines. In t#e a-sen"e, #oever, o* !roo* as to t#e "on*(i"t o* (a r'(e o* Te;as, it s#o'(d not -e !res'+ed di**erent *ro+ o'rs. A!!e((antsJ !osition is t#ere*ore not rested on t#e do"trine o* renvoi. Arti"(e $, !ar. 3 and Art. $4@% o* t#e Civi( Code, render a!!(i"a-(e nationa( (a o* t#e de"edent, in intestate or testa+entar s'""essions, it# re&ard to *o'r ite+s> 0a1 t#e order o* s'""ession: 0-1 t#e a+o'nt o* s'""essiona( ri&#ts: 0"1 t#e intrinsi" va(idit o* t#e !rovisions o* t#e i((: and 0d1 t#e "a!a"it to s'""eed. T#e !rovide t#at ? ART. $. Rea( !ro!ert as e(( as !ersona( !ro!ert is s'-2e"t to t#e (a o* t#e "o'ntr #ere it is sit'ated.

Hoever, intestate and testa+entar s'""essions, -ot# it# res!e"t to t#e order o* s'""ession and to t#e a+o'nt o* s'""essiona( ri&#ts and to t#e intrinsi" va(idit o* testa+entar !rovisions, s#a(( -e re&'(ated - t#e nationa( (a o* t#e !erson #ose s'""ession is 'nder "onsideration, #atever +a -e t#e nat're o* t#e !ro!ert and re&ard(ess o* t#e "o'ntr #erein said !ro!ert +a -e *o'nd. ART. $4@%. Ca!a"it to s'""eed is &overned - t#e (a o* t#e nation o* t#e de"edent. It is t#ere*ore evident t#at #atever !'-(i" !o(i" or &ood "'sto+s +a -e invo(ved in o'r Sste+ o* (e&iti+es, Con&ress #as not intended to e;tend t#e sa+e to t#e s'""ession o* *orei&n nationa(s. 8or it #as s!e"i*i"a(( "#osen to (eave, inter a(ia, t#e a+o'nt o* s'""essiona( ri&#ts, to t#e de"edentJs nationa( (a. S!e"i*i" !rovisions +'st !revai( over &enera( ones. A!!e((ants o'(d a(so !oint o't t#at t#e de"edent e;e"'ted to i((s  one to &overn #is Te;as estate and t#e ot#er #is P#i(i!!ine estate  ar&'in& *ro+ t#is t#at #e intended P#i(i!!ine (a to &overn #is P#i(i!!ine estate. Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 21


Ass'+in& t#at s'"# as t#e de"edentJs intention in e;e"'tin& a se!arate P#i(i!!ine i((, it o'(d not a(ter t#e (a, *or as t#is Co'rt r'(ed in i"iano v. 5ri+o, B4 P#i(. , 4, a !rovision in a *orei&nerJs i(( to t#e e**e"t t#at #is !ro!erties s#a(( -e distri-'ted in a""ordan"e it# P#i(i!!ine (a and not it# #is nationa( (a, is i((e&a( and void, *or #is nationa( (a "annot -e i&nored in re&ard to t#ose +atters t#at Arti"(e $4  no Arti"(e $  o* t#e Civi( Code states said nationa( (a s#o'(d &overn. T#e !arties ad+it t#at t#e de"edent, A+os G. 5e((is, as a "iti9en o* t#e State o* Te;as, U.S.A., and t#at 'nder t#e (as o* Te;as, t#ere are no *or"ed #eirs or (e&iti+es. A""ordin&(, sin"e t#e intrinsi" va(idit o* t#e !rovision o* t#e i(( and t#e a+o'nt o* s'""essiona( ri&#ts are to -e deter+ined 'nder Te;as (a, t#e P#i(i!!ine (a on (e&iti+es "annot -e a!!(ied to t#e testa" o* A+os G. 5e((is.



G.R. No. 1(4'+3

No!&*!r 1, 199+

SPOUSES CESAR V SUTHIRA ZALAEA and LIANA ZALAEA, !etitioners, vs. HONORA5LE COURT O8 APPEALS and TRANSWORLD AIRLINES, INC., res!ondents. FACTS:

Petitioners6s!o'ses Cesar C. Za(a+ea and S't#ira Za(a+ea, and t#eir da'&#ter, Liana Za(a+ea, !'r"#ased t#ree 0@1 air(ine ti"/ets *ro+ t#e ani(a a&ent o* res!ondent TransWor(d Air(ines, In". *or a *(i&#t to Ne or/ to Los An&e(es on )'ne , $%. T#e ti"/ets o* !etitioners6s!o'ses ere !'r"#ased at a dis"o'nt o* B #i(e t#at o* t#eir da'&#ter as a *'(( *are ti"/et. A(( t#ree ti"/ets re!resented "on*ir+ed reservations. W#i(e in Ne or/, on )'ne , $%, !etitioners re"eived noti"e o* t#e re"on*ir+ation o* t#eir reservations *or said *(i&#t. On t#e a!!ointed date, #oever, !etitioners "#e"/ed in at $4>44 a.+., an #o'r ear(ier t#an t#e s"#ed'(ed *(i&#t at $$>44 a.+. -'t ere !(a"ed on t#e ait6(ist -e"a'se t#e n'+-er o* !assen&ers #o #ad "#e"/ed in -e*ore t#e+ #ad a(read ta/en a(( t#e seats avai(a-(e on t#e *(i&#t. It as on( r. Za(a+ea t#at as a((oed to -oard t#e *(i&#t *or it t'rned o't t#at #e as #o(din& t#e *'(( *are ti"/et o* #is da'&#ter. Un*ort'nate(, rs. Za(a+ea and #er da'&#ter ere not a((oed to -oard t#e air!(ane. U!on t#eir arriva( in t#e P#i(i!!ines, !etitioners *i(ed an a"tion *or da+a&es -ased on -rea"# o* "ontra"t o* air "arria&e -e*ore t#e Re&iona( Tria( Co'rt o* a/ati, etro ani(a, 5ran"# $B. T#e (oer "o'rt r'(ed in *avor o* !etitioners in its de"ision dated )an'ar %, $%%. On a!!ea(, t#e res!ondent Co'rt o* A!!ea(s #e(d t#at +ora( da+a&es are re"overa-(e in a da+a&e s'it !redi"ated '!on a -rea"# o* "ontra"t o* "arria&e on( #ere t#ere is *ra'd or -ad *ait#. Sin"e it is a +atter o* re"ord t#at over-oo/in& o* *(i&#ts is a "o++on and a""e!ted !ra"ti"e o* air(ines in t#e United States and is s!e"i*i"a(( a((oed 'nder t#e Code o* 8edera( Re&'(ations - t#e Civi( Aerona'ti"s 5oard, no *ra'd nor -ad *ait# "o'(d -e i+!'ted on res!ondent TransWor(d Air(ines. Not satis*ied it# t#e de"ision, !etitioners raised t#e "ase on !etition *or revie on "ertiorari. ISSUE:

Is t#e P#i(i!!ine La a!!(i"a-(e= HELD:



ES. T#at t#ere as *ra'd or -ad *ait# on t#e !art o* res!ondent air(ine #en it did not a((o !etitioners to -oard t#eir *(i&#t *or Los An&e(es in s!ite o* "on*ir+ed ti"/ets "annot -e dis!'ted. T#e U.S. (a or re&'(ation a((e&ed( a't#ori9in& over-oo/in& #as never -een !roved. 8orei&n (as do not !rove t#e+se(ves nor "an t#e "o'rts ta/e 2'di"ia( noti"e o* t#e+. Li/e an ot#er *a"t, t#e +'st -e a((e&ed and !roved. Written (a +a -e eviden"ed - an o**i"ia( !'-(i"ation t#ereo* or - a "o! attested - t#e o**i"er #avin& t#e (e&a( "'stod o* t#e re"ord, or - #is de!'t, and a""o+!anied it# a "erti*i"ate t#at s'"# o**i"er #as "'stod. T#e "erti*i"ate +a -e +ade - a se"retar o* an e+-ass or (e&ation, "ons'( &enera(, "ons'(, vi"e6"ons'(, or "ons'(ar a&ent or - an o**i"er in t#e *orei&n servi"e o* t#e P#i(i!!ines stationed in t#e *orei&n "o'ntr in #i"# t#e re"ord is /e!t, and a't#enti"ated - t#e sea( o* #is o**i"e. Even i* t#e "(ai+ed U.S. Code o* 8edera( Re&'(ations does e;ist, t#e sa+e is not a!!(i"a-(e to t#e "ase at -ar in a""ordan"e it# t#e !rin"i!(e o* (e; (o"i "ontra"t's #i"# re7'ire t#at t#e (a o* t#e !(a"e #ere t#e air(ine ti"/et as iss'ed s#o'(d -e a!!(ied - t#e "o'rt #ere t#e !assen&ers are residents and nationa(s o* t#e *or'+ and t#e ti"/et is iss'ed in s'"# State - t#e de*endant air(ine. Sin"e t#e ti"/ets ere so(d and iss'ed in t#e P#i(i!!ines, t#e a!!(i"a-(e (a in t#is "ase o'(d -e P#i(i!!ine (a.



G.R. No. 1++''

)cto*!r ', '((1

GRACE ). GARCIA, a./.a. GRACE ). GARCIA6RECIO, !etitioner, vs. REDERICK A. RECIO, res!ondents. FACTS:

Rederi"/ A. Re"io, a 8i(i!ino, as +arried to Edit#a Sa+son, an A'stra(ian "iti9en, in a(a-on, Ri9a( on ar"# $, $%. T#e (ived to&et#er as #'s-and and i*e in A'stra(ia. A de"ree o* divor"e, !'r!orted( disso(vin& t#e +arria&e, as iss'ed - an A'stra(ian *a+i( "o'rt. On )'ne 3, $%%3, res!ondent -e"a+e an A'stra(ian "iti9en. Gra"e ). Gar"ia ? a 8i(i!ina ? +arried Rederi"/ on )an'ar $3, $%% in Ca-anat'an Cit. In t#eir a!!(i"ation *or +arria&e (i"ense, Rederi"/ as de"(ared as Sin&(e and 8i(i!ino. Startin& O"to-er 33, $%%B, Gra"e and Rederi"/ (ived se!arate( it#o't !rior 2'di"ia( disso('tion o* t#eir +arria&e. W#i(e t#e ere sti(( in A'stra(ia, t#eir "on2'&a( assets ere divided in a""ordan"e it# t#eir Stat'tor De"(aration se"'red in A'stra(ia. On ar"# @, $%%, Gra"e *i(ed a Co+!(aint *or De"(aration o* N'((it o* arria&e in t#e tria( "o'rt on t#e &ro'nd o* -i&a+ ? Gra"e a((e&ed s#e #ad no /no(ed&e o* t#e !rior +arria&e o* Rederi"/ 'nti( Nove+-er $%%. Rederi"/ ansered t#at Gra"e /ne o* #is !rior +arria&e as *ar -a"/ as $%%@ and its s'-se7'ent disso('tion. He "ontended t#at #is *irst +arria&e to an A'stra(ian "iti9en #ad -een va(id( disso(ved - a divor"e de"ree o-tained in A'stra(ia in $%%, t#'s #e as (e&a(( "a!a"itated to +arr Gra"e in $%%. 8ive ears a*ter t#e "o'!(es< eddin& and #i(e t#e s'it *or t#e de"(aration o* n'((it as !endin& ? res!ondent as a-(e to se"'re a divor"e de"ree *ro+ a *a+i( "o'rt in Sdne, A'stra(ia. He !raed in #is Anser *or t#e dis+issa( o* t#e "o+!(aint *or no "a'se o* a"tion. T#e O**i"e o* t#e So(i"itor Genera( a&reed it# res!ondent. T#e tria( "o'rt de"(ared t#e +arria&e disso(ved on t#e &ro'nd t#at t#e divor"e as va(id and re"o&ni9ed in t#e P#i(i!!ines. T#e tria( "o'rt #e(d t#at t#e A'stra(ian divor"e #ad ended t#e +arria&e: t#'s, t#ere as no +ore +arita( 'nion to n'((i* or ann'(. ISSUE:

Can t#e A'stra(ian divor"e de"ree -e ad+itted in eviden"e it# no *'rt#er !roo* o* its a't#enti"it and d'e e;e"'tion= HELD: Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 25


5e*ore a *orei&n 2'd&+ent is &iven !res'+!tive evidentiar va('e, t#e do"'+ent +'st *irst -e !resented and ad+itted in eviden"e. A divor"e o-tained a-road is !roven - t#e divor"e de"ree itse(*. Indeed t#e -est eviden"e o* a 2'd&+ent is t#e 2'd&+ent itse(*. T#e de"ree !'r!orts to -e a ritten a"t or re"ord o* an a"t o* an o**i"ia(( -od or tri-'na( o* a *orei&n "o'ntr. Under Se"tions 3 and 3B o* R'(e $@3, on t#e ot#er #and, a ritin& or do"'+ent +a -e !roven as a !'-(i" or o**i"ia( re"ord o* a *orei&n "o'ntr - eit#er 0$1 an o**i"ia( !'-(i"ation or 031 a "o! t#ereo* attested@@ - t#e o**i"er #avin& (e&a( "'stod o* t#e do"'+ent. I* t#e re"ord is not /e!t in t#e P#i(i!!ines, s'"# "o! +'st -e 0a1 a""o+!anied - a "erti*i"ate iss'ed - t#e !ro!er di!(o+ati" or "ons'(ar o**i"er in t#e P#i(i!!ine 8orei&n Servi"e stationed in t#e *orei&n "o'ntr in #i"# t#e re"ord is /e!t and 0-1 a't#enti"ated - t#e sea( o* #is o**i"e. T#e -'rden o* !roo* (ies it# t#e !art #o a((e&es t#e e;isten"e o* a *a"t or t#in& ne"essar in t#e !rose"'tion or de*ense o* an a"tion. In "ivi( "ases, !(ainti**s #ave t#e -'rden o* !rovin& t#e +ateria( a((e&ations o* t#e "o+!(aint #en t#ose are denied - t#e anser: and de*endants #ave t#e -'rden o* !rovin& t#e +ateria( a((e&ations in t#eir anser #en t#e introd'"e ne +atters. Sin"e t#e divor"e as a de*ense raised - res!ondent, t#e -'rden o* !rovin& t#e !ertinent A'stra(ian (a va(idatin& it *a((s s7'are( '!on #i+. It is e((6sett(ed in o'r 2'risdi"tion t#at o'r "o'rts "annot ta/e 2'di"ia( noti"e o* *orei&n (as. Li/e an ot#er *a"ts, t#e +'st -e a((e&ed and !roved. A'stra(ian +arita( (as are not a+on& t#ose +atters t#at 2'd&es are s'!!osed to /no - reason o* t#eir 2'di"ia( *'n"tion. T#e !oer o* 2'di"ia( noti"e +'st -e e;er"ised it# "a'tion, and ever reasona-(e do'-t '!on t#e s'-2e"t s#o'(d -e reso(ved in t#e ne&ative.



G.R. No. 11('-+

Ju0 '(, '((1

ASIAQEST ERCHANT 5ANKERS 01 5ERHAD, !etitioner, vs. COURT O8 APPEALS and PHILIPPINE NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION, res!ondents. FACTS:

T#e !etitioner Asiavest er"#ant 5an/ers 01 5er#ad is a "or!oration or&ani9ed 'nder t#e (as o* a(asia #i(e !rivate res!ondent P#i(i!!ine Nationa( Constr'"tion Cor!oration is a "or!oration d'( in"or!orated and e;istin& 'nder P#i(i!!ine (as. Petitioner initiated a s'it *or "o((e"tion a&ainst !rivate res!ondent, t#en /non as Constr'"tion and Deve(o!+ent Cor!oration o* t#e P#i(i!!ines, -e*ore t#e Hi&# Co'rt o* a(aa in K'a(a L'+!'r entit(ed Asiavest er"#ant 5an/ers 01 5er#ad v. Asiavest CDCP Sdn. 5#d. and Constr'"tion and Deve(o!+ent Cor!oration o* t#e P#i(i!!ines. Petitioner so'&#t to re"over t#e inde+nit o* t#e !er*or+an"e -ond it #ad !'t '! in *avor o* !rivate res!ondent to &'arantee t#e "o+!(etion o* t#e 8e(da Pro2e"t and t#e non6!a+ent o* t#e (oan it e;tended to Asiavest6CDCP Sdn. 5#d. *or t#e "o+!(etion o* Pa(o# Hanai and K'antan 56Pass Pro2e"t. T#e Hi&# Co'rt o* a(aa 0Co++er"ia( Division1 rendered 2'd&+ent in *avor o* t#e !etitioner and a&ainst t#e !rivate res!ondent. 8o((oin& 'ns'""ess*'( atte+!ts to se"'re !a+ent *ro+ !rivate res!ondent 'nder t#e 2'd&+ent, !etitioner initiated t#e "o+!(aint -e*ore Re&iona( Tria( Co'rt o* Pasi&, etro ani(a, to en*or"e t#e 2'd&+ent o* t#e Hi&# Co'rt o* a(aa. Private res!ondent so'&#t t#e dis+issa( o* t#e "ase via a otion to Dis+iss, "ontendin& t#at t#e a((e&ed 2'd&+ent o* t#e Hi&# Co'rt o* a(aa s#o'(d -e denied re"o&nition or en*or"e+ent sin"e on its *a"e, it is tainted it# ant o* 2'risdi"tion, ant o* noti"e to !rivate res!ondent, "o(('sion andFor *ra'd, and t#ere as a "(ear +ista/e o* (a or *a"t. Dis+issa( as, #oever, denied - t#e tria( "o'rt "onsiderin& t#at t#e &ro'nds re(ied '!on ere not t#e !ro!er &ro'nds in a +otion to dis+iss 'nder R'(e $ o* t#e Revised R'(es o* Co'rt. On a 33, $%%, !rivate res!ondent *i(ed its Anser it# Co+!'(sor Co'nter"(ai+ and t#erein raised t#e &ro'nds it -ro'&#t '! in its +otion to dis+iss. In its re!(, t#e !etitioner "ontended t#at t#e Hi&# Co'rt o* a(aa a"7'ired 2'risdi"tion over t#e !erson o* !rivate res!ondent - its vo('ntar s'-+ission to t#e "o'rt

C#a Tee. 8'rt#er+ore, !rivate res!ondents "o'nse( aived an and a(( o-2e"tions to t#e Hi&# Co'rt
$. Wo'(d t#e a(asian "o'rt did not a"7'ire !ersona( 2'risdi"tion over P#i(i!!ine Nationa( Constr'"tion Cor!oration, notit#standin& t#at 0a1 t#e *orei&n "o'rt #ad served s'++ons on P#i(i!!ine Nationa( Constr'"tion Cor!oration at its a(asia o**i"e, and 0-1 P#i(i!!ine Nationa( Constr'"tion Cor!oration itse(* a!!eared - "o'nse( in t#e "ase -e*ore t#at "o'rt= 3. S#o'(d t#e P#i(i!!ine "o'rt s#o'(d den re"o&nition and en*or"e+ent o* t#e 2'd&+ent o* t#e a(asian "o'rt RULING:

$. T#e *ore&oin& reasons or &ro'nds re(ied '!on - !rivate res!ondent in !reventin& en*or"e+ent and re"o&nition o* t#e a(asian 2'd&+ent !ri+ari( re*er to +atters o* re+ed and !ro"ed're ta/en - t#e a(asian Hi&# Co'rt re(ative to t#e s'it *or "o((e"tion initiated - !etitioner. Need(ess to stress, t#e re"o&nition to -e a""orded a *orei&n 2'd&+ent is not ne"essari( a**e"ted - t#e *a"t t#at t#e !ro"ed're in t#e "o'rts o* t#e "o'ntr in #i"# s'"# 2'd&+ent as rendered di**ers *ro+ t#at o* t#e "o'rts o* t#e "o'ntr in #i"# t#e 2'd&+ent is re(ied on. U(ti+ate(, +atters o* re+ed and !ro"ed're s'"# as t#ose re(atin& to t#e servi"e o* s'++ons or "o'rt !ro"ess '!on t#e de*endant, t#e a't#orit o* "o'nse( to a!!ear and re!resent a de*endant and t#e *or+a( re7'ire+ents in a de"ision are &overned - t#e (e; *ori or t#e interna( (a o* t#e *or'+, i.e., t#e (a o* a(asia in t#is "ase. In t#is "ase, it is t#e !ro"ed'ra( (a o* a(asia #ere t#e 2'd&+ent as rendered t#at deter+ines t#e va(idit o* t#e servi"e o* "o'rt !ro"ess on !rivate res!ondent as e(( as ot#er +atters raised - it. As to #at t#e a(asian !ro"ed'ra( (a is, re+ains a 7'estion o* *a"t, not o* (a. It +a not -e ta/en 2'di"ia( noti"e o* and +'st -e !(eaded and !roved (i/e an ot#er *a"t. Se"tions 3 and 3B o* R'(e $@3 o* t#e Revised R'(es o* Co'rt !rovide t#at it +a -e eviden"ed - an o**i"ia( !'-(i"ation or - a d'( attested or a't#enti"ated "o! t#ereo*. It as t#en in"'+-ent '!on !rivate res!ondent to !resent eviden"e as to #at t#at a(asian !ro"ed'ra( (a is and to s#o t#at 'nder it, t#e assai(ed servi"e o* s'++ons '!on a *inan"ia( o**i"er o* a "or!oration, as a((e&ed - it, is inva(id. It did not. A""ordin&(, t#e !res'+!tion o* va(idit and re&'(arit o* servi"e o* s'++ons and t#e de"ision t#erea*ter rendered - t#e Hi&# Co'rt o* a(aa +'st stand. Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 28


3. Genera((, in t#e a-sen"e o* a s!e"ia( "o+!a"t, no soverei&n is -o'nd to &ive e**e"t it#in its do+inion to a 2'd&+ent rendered - a tri-'na( o* anot#er "o'ntr: #oever, t#e r'(es o* "o+it, 'ti(it and "onvenien"e o* nations #ave esta-(is#ed a 'sa&e a+on& "ivi(i9ed states - #i"# *ina( 2'd&+ents o* *orei&n "o'rts o* "o+!etent 2'risdi"tion are re"i!ro"a(( res!e"ted and rendered e**i"a"io's 'nder "ertain "onditions t#at +a var in di**erent "o'ntries. In t#is 2'risdi"tion, a va(id 2'd&+ent rendered - a *orei&n tri-'na( +a -e re"o&ni9ed inso*ar as t#e i++ediate !arties and t#e 'nder(in& "a'se o* a"tion are "on"erned so (on& as it is "onvin"in&( s#on t#at t#ere #as -een an o!!ort'nit *or a *'(( and *air #earin& -e*ore a "o'rt o* "o+!etent 2'risdi"tion: t#at t#e tria( '!on re&'(ar !ro"eedin&s #as -een "ond'"ted, *o((oin& d'e "itation or vo('ntar a!!earan"e o* t#e de*endant and 'nder a sste+ o* 2'ris!r'den"e (i/e( to se"'re an i+!artia( ad+inistration o* 2'sti"e: and t#at t#ere is not#in& to indi"ate eit#er a !re2'di"e in "o'rt and in t#e sste+ o* (as 'nder #i"# it is sittin& or *ra'd in !ro"'rin& t#e 2'd&+ent. A *orei&n 2'd&+ent is !res'+ed to -e va(id and -indin& in t#e "o'ntr *ro+ #i"# it "o+es, 'nti( a "ontrar s#oin&, on t#e -asis o* a !res'+!tion o* re&'(arit o* !ro"eedin&s and t#e &ivin& o* d'e noti"e in t#e *orei&n *or'+. Under Se"tion B40-1, R'(e @% o* t#e Revised R'(es o* Co'rt, #i"# as t#e &overnin& (a at t#e ti+e t#e instant "ase as de"ided - t#e tria( "o'rt and res!ondent a!!e((ate "o'rt, a 2'd&+ent, a&ainst a !erson, o* a tri-'na( o* a *orei&n "o'ntr #avin& 2'risdi"tion to !rono'n"e t#e sa+e is !res'+!tive eviden"e o* a ri&#t as -eteen t#e !arties and t#eir s'""essors in interest - a s'-se7'ent tit(e. T#e 2'd&+ent +a, #oever, -e assai(ed - eviden"e o* ant o* 2'risdi"tion, ant o* noti"e to t#e !art, "o(('sion, *ra'd, or "(ear +ista/e o* (a or *a"t. In addition, 'nder Se"tion @0n1, R'(e $@$ o* t#e Revised R'(es o* Co'rt, a "o'rt, #et#er in t#e P#i(i!!ines or e(se#ere, en2os t#e !res'+!tion t#at it as a"tin& in t#e (a*'( e;er"ise o* its 2'risdi"tion. Hen"e, on"e t#e a't#enti"it o* t#e *orei&n 2'd&+ent is !roved, t#e !art atta"/in& a *orei&n 2'd&+ent, is tas/ed it# t#e -'rden o* over"o+in& its !res'+!tive va(idit. In t#e instant "ase, !etitioner s'**i"ient( esta-(is#ed t#e e;isten"e o* t#e +one 2'd&+ent o* t#e Hi&# Co'rt o* a(aa - t#e eviden"e it o**ered. Havin& t#'s !roven, t#ro'&# t#e *ore&oin& eviden"e, t#e e;isten"e and a't#enti"it o* t#e *orei&n 2'd&+ent, said *orei&n 2'd&+ent en2os !res'+!tive va(idit and t#e -'rden t#en *e(( '!on t#e !art #o dis!'tes its va(idit, #erein !rivate res!ondent, to !rove ot#erise. A(( in a((, !rivate res!ondent #ad t#e '(ti+ate d't to de+onstrate t#e a((e&ed inva(idit o* s'"# *orei&n 2'd&+ent, -ein& t#e !art "#a((en&in& t#e 2'd&+ent rendered - t#e Hi&# Co'rt o* a(aa. 5't instead o* doin& so, !rivate res!ondent +ere( ar&'ed, to #i"# Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 29


t#e tria( "o'rt a&reed, t#at t#e -'rden (a '!on !etitioner to !rove t#e va(idit o* t#e +one 2'd&+ent. S'"# is "(ear( erroneo's and o'(d render +eanin&(ess t#e !res'+!tion o* va(idit a""orded a *orei&n 2'd&+ent ere t#e !art see/in& to en*or"e it -e re7'ired to *irst esta-(is# its va(idit.



G.R. No. L/'+143

No!&*!r '9, 19-

TESTATE ESTATE O8 IDONAH SLADE PERKINS, de"eased. RENATO D. TAAG, an"i((ar ad+inistrator6a!!e((ee, vs. 5ENGUET CONSOLIDATED, INC., o!!ositor6a!!e((ant. FACTS:

Idona# S(ade Per/ins, an A+eri"an "iti9en #o died in Ne or/ Cit, (e*t a+on& ot#ers, to sto"/ "erti*i"ates iss'ed - 5en&'et Conso(idated, a "or!oration do+i"i(ed in t#e P#i(i!!ines. As an"i((ar ad+inistrator o* Per/ins< estate in t#e P#i(i!!ines, Taa& no ants to ta/e !ossession o* t#ese sto"/ "erti*i"ates -'t Co'nt Tr'st Co+!an o* Ne or/, t#e do+i"i(iar ad+inistrator, re*'sed to !art it# t#e+. T#'s, t#e !ro-ate "o'rt o* t#e P#i(i!!ines as *or"ed to iss'e an order de"(arin& t#e sto"/ "erti*i"ates as (ost and orderin& 5en&'et Conso(idated to iss'e ne sto"/ "erti*i"ates re!resentin& Per/ins< s#ares. 5en&'et Conso(idated a!!ea(ed t#e order, ar&'in& t#at t#e sto"/ "erti*i"ates are not (ost as t#e are in e;isten"e and "'rrent( in t#e !ossession o* Co'nt Tr'st Co+!an o* Ne or/. ISSUES:

$. W#at is t#e s"o!e o* !oer o* t#e an"i((ar ad+inistrator= 3. Is it ri&#t to de"(are or "onsider t#e "erti*i"ates (ost #en t#e are in t#e !ossession o* t#e do+i"i(iar ad+inistrator= @. Was t#ere a *ai('re on o-servin& "ertain re7'ire+ents !rovided in t#e -6 (as o* t#e "or!oration in iss'in& ne sto"/ "erti*i"ates= . W#et#er or not t#e order o* t#e (oer "o'rt is !ro!er= HELD:

$. W#en a !erson dies intestate onin& !ro!ert in t#e "o'ntr o* #is do+i"i(e as e(( as in a *orei&n "o'ntr, ad+inistration is #ad in -ot# "o'ntries. T#at #i"# is &ranted in t#e 2'risdi"tion o* de"edentJs (ast do+i"i(e is ter+ed t#e !rin"i!a( ad+inistration, #i(e an ot#er ad+inistration is ter+ed t#e an"i((ar ad+inistration. An ad+inistrator a!!ointed in a *orei&n state #as no a't#orit in t#e P#i(i!!ines. T#e an"i((ar ad+inistration is !ro!er, #enever a !erson dies, (eavin& in a "o'ntr ot#er t#an t#at o* #is (ast do+i"i(e, !ro!ert to -e ad+inistered in t#e nat're o* assets o* t#e de"eased (ia-(e *or #is individ'a( de-ts or to -e distri-'ted a+on& #is #eirs.



It o'(d *o((o t#en t#at t#e a't#orit o* t#e !ro-ate "o'rt to re7'ire t#at an"i((ar ad+inistratorJs ri&#t "erti*i"ates -e res!e"ted is e7'a(( -eond 7'estion. 8or a!!e((ant is a P#i(i!!ine "or!oration oin& *'(( a((e&ian"e and s'-2e"t to t#e 'nrestri"ted 2'risdi"tion o* (o"a( "o'rts. Its s#ares o* sto"/ "annot t#ere*ore -e "onsidered in an ise as i++'ne *ro+ (a*'( "o'rt orders. 3. es. Sin"e t#ere is a re*'sa(, !ersistent( ad#ered to - t#e do+i"i(iar ad+inistrator in Ne or/, to de(iver t#e s#ares o* sto"/s o* A!!e((ant Cor!oration oned - t#e de"edent to t#e an"i((ar ad+inistrator in t#e P#i(i!!ines, t#ere as not#in& 'nreasona-(e or ar-itrar in "onsiderin& t#e+ as (ost and re7'irin& t#e a!!e((ant to iss'e ne "erti*i"ates in (ie' t#ereo*. T#ere-, t#e tas/ in"'+-ent 'nder t#e (a on t#e an"i((ar ad+inistrator "o'(d -e dis"#ar&ed and #is res!onsi-i(it *'(*i((ed. @. No, s'"# re(ian"e is +is!(a"ed. In t#e *irst !(a"e, t#ere is no s'"# o""asion to a!!( s'"# -6(a. It is ad+itted t#at t#e *orei&n do+i"i(iar ad+inistrator did not a!!ea( *ro+ t#e order no in 7'estion. oreover, t#ere is (i/eise t#e e;!ress ad+ission o* a!!e((ant t#at as *ar as it is "on"erned, it is i++ateria( #o is entit(ed to t#e !ossession o* t#e sto"/ "erti*i"ates. Even i* s'"# ere not t#e "ase, it o'(d -e a (e&a( a-s'rdit to i+!art to s'"# a !rovision "on"('siveness and *ina(it. Ass'+in& t#at a "ontrariet e;ists -eteen t#e a-ove -6(a and t#e "o++and o* a "o'rt de"ree, t#e (atter is to -e *o((oed. . No, t#e a!!ea( (a"/s +erit. Taa&, as an"i((ar ad+inistrator, #as t#e !oer to &ain "ontro( and !ossession o* a(( assets o* t#e de"edent it#in t#e 2'risdi"tion o* t#e P#i(i!!ines. It is to -e noted t#at t#e s"o!e o* t#e !oer o* t#e an"i((ar ad+inistrator as, in an ear(ier "ase, set *ort# - )'sti"e a("o(+. T#'s> It is o*ten ne"essar to #ave +ore t#an one ad+inistration o* an estate. W#en a !erson dies intestate onin& !ro!ert in t#e "o'ntr o* #is do+i"i(e as e(( as in a *orei&n "o'ntr, ad+inistration is #ad in -ot# "o'ntries. T#at #i"# is &ranted in t#e 2'risdi"tion o* de"edentJs (ast do+i"i(e is ter+ed t#e !rin"i!a( ad+inistration, #i(e an ot#er ad+inistration is ter+ed t#e an"i((ar ad+inistration. T#e reason *or t#e (atter is -e"a'se a &rant o* ad+inistration does not e; !ro!rio vi&ore #ave an e**e"t -eond t#e (i+its o* t#e "o'ntr in #i"# it is &ranted. Hen"e, an ad+inistrator a!!ointed in a *orei&n state #as no a't#orit in t#e P#i(i!!ines. T#e an"i((ar ad+inistration is !ro!er, #enever a !erson dies, (eavin& in a "o'ntr ot#er t#an t#at o* #is (ast do+i"i(e, !ro!ert to -e ad+inistered in t#e nat're o* assets o* t#e de"eased (ia-(e *or #is individ'a( de-ts or to -e distri-'ted a+on& #is #eirs. Pro-ate "o'rt #as a't#orit to iss'e t#e order en*or"in& t#e an"i((ar ad+inistrator

It o'(d *o((o t#en t#at t#e a't#orit o* t#e !ro-ate "o'rt to re7'ire t#at an"i((ar ad+inistratorJs ri&#t to t#e sto"/ "erti*i"ates "overin& t#e @@,443 s#ares ... standin& in #er na+e in t#e -oo/s o* a!!e((ant 5en&'et Conso(idated, In".... -e res!e"ted is e7'a(( -eond 7'estion. 8or a!!e((ant is a P#i(i!!ine "or!oration oin& *'(( a((e&ian"e and s'-2e"t to t#e 'nrestri"ted 2'risdi"tion o* (o"a( "o'rts. Its s#ares o* sto"/ "annot t#ere*ore -e "onsidered in an ise as i++'ne *ro+ (a*'( "o'rt orders.



G.R. No. 1'411(

A5ri0 '(, '((1

UNITED AIRLINES, INC., Petitioner vs. COURT O8 APPEALS, ANICETO 8ONTANILLA, in #is !ersona( "a!a"it and in -e#a(* o* #is +inor son CHAL ANDREW 8ONTANILLA, Res!ondents. FACTS:

Ani"eto 8ontani((a -o'&#t *ro+ United Air(ines, t#ro'&# t#e P#i(i!!ine Trave( 5'rea' in ani(a, t#ree Qisit t#e U.S.A. ti"/ets *ro+ #i+se(*, #is i*e and #is +inor son, "#a(, to visit t#e "ities o* Was#in&ton DC, C#i"a&o and Los An&e(es. A(( *(i&#ts #ad -een "on*ir+ed !revio's( - United Air(ines. Havin& 'sed t#e *irst "o'!on to DC and #i(e at t#e Was#in&ton D'((es Air!ort, Ani"eto "#an&ed t#eir itinerar, !aid t#e !ena(t *or reritin& t#eir ti"/ets and as iss'ed ti"/ets it# "orres!ondin& -oardin& !asses it# t#e ords> C#e"/6in6 re7'ired. T#e ere t#en set to (eave -'t ere denied -oardin& -e"a'se t#e *(i&#t as over-oo/ed. T#e Co'rt o* A!!ea(s r'(ed t#at !rivate res!ondents< *ai('re to "o+!( it# t#e "#e"/6in re7'ire+ent i(( not de*eat #is "(ai+ as t#e denied -oardin& r'(es ere not "o+!(ied it# a!!(in& t#e (as o* t#e USA, re(in& on t#e Code o* 8edera( Re&'(ation Part on over6sa(es o* t#e USA. ISSUE:

W#et#er or not t#e CA is "orre"t in a!!(in& t#e (as o* USA= HELD:

No. A""ordin& to t#e do"trine o* (e; (o"i "ontra"t's, t#e (a o* t#e !(a"e #ere a "ontra"t is +ade or entered into &overns it# res!e"t to its nat're and va(idit, o-(i&ation and inter!retation s#a(( &overn. T#is #as -een said to -e t#e r'(e even t#o'&# t#e !(a"e #ere t#e "ontra"t as +ade is di**erent *ro+ t#e !(a"e #ere it is to -e !er*or+ed. Hen"e, t#e "o'rt s#o'(d a!!( t#e (a o* t#e !(a"e #ere t#e air(ine ti"/et as iss'ed, #ere t#e !assen&ers are residents and nationa(s o* t#e *or'+ and t#e ti"/et is iss'ed in s'"# State - t#e de*endant air(ine. T#ere*ore, a(t#o'&#, t#e "ontra"t o* "arria&e as to -e !er*or+ed in t#e United States, t#e ti"/ets ere !'r"#ased t#ro'&# !etitioner


G.R. No. 1(477-

D!c!&*!r 3, 1994

5IENQENIDO . CADALIN, ROLANDO . AUL, DONATO 5. EQANGELISTA, and t#e rest o* $, NAED6COPLAINANTS, t#r' and - t#eir Attorne6in6 *a"t, Att. GERARDO A. DEL UNDO vs. PHILIPPINE OQERSEAS EPLOENT ADINISTRATION
T#is is a "onso(idation o* @ "ases o* SPECIAL CIQIL ACTIONS in t#e S'!re+e Co'rt *or Certiorari. On )'ne , $%, 5ienvenido . Cada(in, Ro(ando . A+'( and Donato 5. Evan&e(ista, in t#eir on -e#a(* and on -e#a(* o* 3 ot#er overseas "ontra"t or/ers 0OCWs1 instit'ted a "(ass s'it - *i(in& an A+ended Co+!(aint it# t#e P#i(i!!ine Overseas E+!(o+ent Ad+inistration 0POEA1 *or +one "(ai+s arisin& *ro+ t#eir re"r'it+ent - AI5C and e+!(o+ent - 5RII 0POEA Case No. L6646BBB1. T#e "(ai+ants ere re!resented - Att. Gerardo de( 'ndo. 5RII is a *orei&n "or!oration it# #ead7'arters in Ho'ston, Te;as, and is en&a&ed in "onstr'"tion: #i(e AI5C is a do+esti" "or!oration (i"ensed as a servi"e "ontra"tor to re"r'it, +o-i(i9e and de!(o 8i(i!ino or/ers *or overseas e+!(o+ent on -e#a(* o* its *orei&n !rin"i!a(s. T#e a+ended "o+!(aint !rin"i!a(( so'&#t t#e !a+ent o* t#e 'ne;!ired !ortion o* t#e e+!(o+ent "ontra"ts, #i"# as ter+inated !re+at're(, and se"ondari(, t#e !a+ent o* t#e interest o* t#e earnin&s o* t#e Trave( and Reserved 8'nd, interest on a(( t#e 'n!aid -ene*its: area a&e and sa(ar di**erentia( !a: *rin&e -ene*its: re*'nd o* SSS and !re+i'+ not re+itted to t#e SSS: re*'nd o* it##o(din& ta; not re+itted to t#e 5IR: !ena(ties *or "o++ittin& !ro#i-ited !ra"ti"es: as e(( as t#e s's!ension o* t#e (i"ense o* AI5C and t#e a""reditation o* 5RII. 8ro+ t#e re"ords, it a!!ears t#at t#e "o+!(ainants6a!!e((ants a((e&e t#at t#e ere re"r'ited - res!ondent6a!!e((ant AI5C *or its a""redited *orei&n !rin"i!a(, 5ron V Root, on vario's dates *ro+ $%B to $%@. T#e ere a(( de!(oed at vario's !ro2e"ts 'nderta/en - 5ron V Root in severa( "o'ntries in t#e idd(e East, s'"# as Sa'di Ara-ia, Li-a, United Ara- E+irates and 5a#rain, as e(( as in So't#east Asia, in Indonesia and a(asia. Havin& -een o**i"ia(( !ro"essed as overseas "ontra"t or/ers - t#e P#i(i!!ine Govern+ent, a(( t#e individ'a( "o+!(ainants si&ned standard overseas e+!(o+ent "ontra"ts it# AI5C -e*ore t#eir de!art're *ro+ t#e P#i(i!!ines POEA Ad+inistrator rendered #is de"ision #i"# aarded t#e a+o'nt o* 3, B3. in *avor o* on( @3 "o+!(ainants. C(ai+ants s'-+itted t#eir A!!ea( e+orand'+ *or Partia( A!!ea( *ro+ t#e de"ision o* t#e POEA. AI5C Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 35


a(so *i(ed its otion *or Re"onsideration in addition to t#e Noti"e o* A!!ea( *i(ed ear(ier. NLRC !ro+'(&ated its Reso('tion, +odi*in& t#e de"ision o* t#e POEA. T#e reso('tion re+oved so+e o* t#e -ene*its aarded in *avor o* t#e "(ai+ants. NLRC denied a(( t#e otion *or Re"onsideration. Hen"e, t#ese !etitions *i(ed - t#e "(ai+ants and - A(5C and 5RII. ISSUES>

$. W#et#er or not t#e *orei&n (a s#o'(d &overn or t#e "ontra"t o* t#e !arties. 3. W#et#er or not t#e 5a#rain (a on !res"ri!tion o* a"tion or t#e P#i(i!!ine (a on !res"ri!tion s#a(( -e t#e &overnin& (a. @. W#et#er or not t#e instant "ases 7'a(i* as a "(ass s'it. RULING:

NLRC set aside Se"tion $, R'(e $3% o* t#e $%% Revised R'(es on Eviden"e &overnin& t#e !(eadin& and !roo* o* a *orei&n (a and ad+itted in eviden"e a si+!(e "o! o* t#e 5a#rain T#e inter!retation o* o-s"'re ords or sti!'(ations in a "ontra"t s#a(( not *avor t#e !art #o "a'sed t#e o-s"'rit.



Said r'(e o* inter!retation is a!!(i"a-(e to "ontra"ts o* ad#esion #ere t#ere is a(read a !re!ared *or+ "ontainin& t#e sti!'(ations o* t#e e+!(o+ent "ontra"t and t#e e+!(oees +ere( ta/e it or (eave it. T#e !res'+!tion is t#at t#ere as an i+!osition - one !art a&ainst t#e ot#er and t#at t#e e+!(oees si&ned t#e "ontra"ts o't o* ne"essit t#at red'"ed t#eir -ar&ainin& !oer. We read t#e overseas e+!(o+ent "ontra"ts in 7'estion as ado!tin& t#e !rovisions o* t#e A+iri De"ree No. 3@ o* $% as !art and !ar"e( t#ereo*. T#e !arties to a "ontra"t +a se(e"t t#e (a - #i"# it is to -e &overned. In s'"# a "ase, t#e *orei&n (a is ado!ted as a sste+ to re&'(ate t#e re(ations o* t#e !arties, in"('din& 7'estions o* t#eir "a!a"it to enter into t#e "ontra"t, t#e *or+a(ities to -e o-served - t#e+, +atters o* !er*or+an"e, and so *ort#. Instead o* ado!tin& t#e entire +ass o* t#e *orei&n (a, t#e !arties +a 2'st a&ree t#at s!e"i*i" !rovisions o* a *orei&n stat'te s#a(( -e dee+ed in"or!orated into t#eir "ontra"t as a set o* ter+s. 5 s'"# re*eren"e to t#e !rovisions o* t#e *orei&n (a, t#e "ontra"t does not -e"o+e a *orei&n "ontra"t to -e &overned - t#e *orei&n (a. T#e said (a does not o!erate as a stat'te -'t as a set o* "ontra"t'a( ter+s dee+ed ritten in t#e "ontra"t. A -asi" !o(i" o* "ontra"t is to !rote"t t#e e;!e"tation o* t#e !arties. S'"# !art e;!e"tation is !rote"ted - &ivin& e**e"t to t#e !arties< on "#oi"e o* t#e a!!(i"a-(e (a. T#e "#oi"e o* (a +'st, #oever, -ear so+e re(ations#i! t#e !arties or t#eir transa"tion. T#ere is no 7'estion t#at t#e "ontra"ts so'&#t to -e en*or"ed - "(ai+ants #ave a dire"t "onne"tion it# t#e 5a#rain (a -e"a'se t#e servi"es ere rendered in t#at "o'ntr. Anent to t#e s!cond issu!, as &enera( r'(e, a *orei&n !ro"ed'ra( (a i(( not -e a!!(ied in t#e *or'+. Pro"ed'ra( +atters, s'"# as servi"e o* !ro"ess, 2oinder o* a"tions, !eriod and re7'isites *or a!!ea(, and so *ort#, are &overned - t#e (as o* t#e *or'+. T#is is tr'e even i* t#e a"tion is -ased '!on a *orei&n s'-stantive (a. A (a on !res"ri!tion o* a"tions is s'i &eneris in Con*(i"t o* Las in t#e sense t#at it +a -e vieed eit#er as !ro"ed'ra( or s'-stantive, de!endin& on t#e "#ara"teri9ation &iven s'"# a (a. Hoever, t#e "#ara"teri9ation o* a stat'te into a !ro"ed'ra( or s'-stantive (a -e"o+es irre(evant #en t#e "o'ntr o* t#e *or'+ #as a -orroin& stat'te. Said stat'te #as t#e !ra"ti"a( e**e"t o* treatin& t#e *orei&n stat'te o* (i+itation as one o* s'-stan"e. A -orroin& stat'te dire"ts t#e state o* t#e *or'+ to a!!( t#e *orei&n stat'te o* (i+itations to t#e !endin& "(ai+s -ased on a *orei&n (a. W#i(e t#ere are severa( /inds o* -orroin& stat'tes, one *or+ !rovides t#at an a"tion -arred - t#e (as o* t#e !(a"e #ere it a""r'ed, i(( not -e en*or"ed in t#e *or'+ even t#o'&# t#e (o"a( stat'te #as not r'n a&ainst it. Se"tion  o* o'r Code o* Civi( Pro"ed're is o* t#is /ind. Said Se"tion !rovides> I* - t#e (as o* t#e state or "o'ntr #ere t#e "a'se o* a"tion arose, t#e a"tion is -arred, it is a(so -arred in t#e P#i(i!!ine Is(ands. In t#e (i&#t o* t#e $% Constit'tion, #oever, Se"tion  "annot -e en*or"ed e; !ro!io vi&ore inso*ar as it ordains t#e a!!(i"ation in t#is 2'risdi"tion o* Se"tion $B o* t#e A+iri De"ree No. 3@ o* $%.T#e "o'rts o* t#e *or'+ i(( not en*or"e an *orei&n "(ai+s o-no;io's to t#e *or'+

"(ai+s are *or -ene*its &ranted 'nder t#e 5a#rain (a +an o* t#e "(ai+ants or/ed o'tside 5a#rain. So+e o* t#e "(ai+ants ere de!(oed in Indonesia 'nder di**erent ter+s and "ondition o* e+!(o+ent. Inas+'"# as t#e *irst re7'ire+ent o* a "(ass s'it is not !resent 0"o++on or &enera( interest -ased on t#e A+iri De"ree o* t#e State o* 5a#rain1, it is on( (o&i"a( t#at on( t#ose #o or/ed in 5a#rain s#a(( -e entit(ed to ri(e t#eir "(ai+s in a "(ass s'it. W#i(e t#ere are "o++on de*endants 0AI5C and 5RII1 and t#e nat're o* t#e "(ai+s is t#e sa+e 0*or e+!(oee


H!nr Hi0ton . 6!rtin Guot, 139 U.S. 11+ 1938 Nos. 1+(, +4 Ar%u!d A5ri0 1(, 194 D!cid!d Jun! +, 193 FACTS:

T#e "ase as an a"tion at (a, -ro'&#t on De"e+-er $, $B, in t#e Cir"'it Co'rt o* t#e United States *or t#e So't#ern Distri"t o* Ne or/, - G'stave 5ertin G'ot, a 8ren"#+an, as t#e o**i"ia( (i7'idator o* t#e *ir+ o* C#ar(es 8ortin V Co., a&ainst Henr Hi(ton and Wi((ia+ Li--e, "iti9ens o* t#e United States and o* t#e State o* Ne or/ and tradin& as "o6!artners in t#e "ities o* Ne or/ and Paris and e(se#ere 'nder t#e *ir+ na+e o* A. T. Steart V Co. T#e a"tion as '!on a 2'd&+ent re"overed in a 8ren"# "o'rt at Paris, in t#e Re!'-(i" o* 8ran"e, - t#e *ir+ o* C#ar(es 8ortin V Co., a(( o* #ose +e+-ers ere 8ren"# "iti9ens, a&ainst Hi(ton V Li--e, tradin& as "o6!artners, and "iti9ens o* t#e United States and o* t#e State o* Ne or/ in #i"#t#e 8ren"# "o'rt rendered 2'd&+ent in *avor o* G'ot to re"over t#e s'+ o* 3,B. *ro+ Hi(ton. ISSUE:

W#et#er or not a 2'd&+ent o* a *orei&n nation
'nder #at is 's'a(( "a((ed !rivate internationa( (a, or t#e "on*(i"t o* (as, and "on"ernin& t#e ri&#ts o* !ersons it#in t#e territor and do+inion o* one nation - reason o* a"ts, !rivate or !'-(i", done it#in t#e do+inions o* anot#er nation 66 is !art o* o'r (a, and +'st -e as"ertained and ad+inistered - t#e "o'rts o* 2'sti"e as o*ten as s'"# 7'estions are !resented in (iti&ation -eteen +an and +an, d'( s'-+itted to t#eir deter+ination. T#e +ost "ertain &'ide, no do'-t, *or t#e de"ision o* s'"# 7'estions is a treat or a stat'te o* t#is "o'ntr. 5't #en, as is t#e "ase #ere, t#ere is no ritten (a '!on t#e s'-2e"t, t#e d't sti(( rests '!on t#e 2'di"ia( tri-'na(s o* as"ertainin& and de"(arin& #at t#e (a is, #enever it -e"o+es ne"essar to do so in order to deter+ine t#e ri&#ts o* !arties to s'its re&'(ar( -ro'&#t -e*ore t#e+. In doin& t#is, t#e "o'rts +'st o-tain s'"# aid as t#e "an *ro+ 2'di"ia( de"isions, *ro+ t#e or/s o* 2'rists and "o++entators, and *ro+ t#e a"ts and 'sa&es o* "ivi(i9ed nations. No 0#$ #s #n !""!ct, o" its o$n "orc!, *!ond t! 0i&its o" t! so!r!i%nt "ro& $ic its #utorit is d!ri!d . T#e e;tent to #i"# t#e (a o*

one nation, as !'t in *or"e it#in its territor, #et#er - e;e"'tive order, - (e&is(ative a"t, or - 2'di"ia( de"ree s#a(( -e a((oed to o!erate it#in t#e do+inion o* anot#er nation de!ends '!on t#e co&it o" n#tions .



Co+it, in t#e (e&a( sense, is neit#er a +atter o* a-so('teo-(i&ation, on t#e one #and, nor o* +ere "o'rtes and &oodi((, '!on t#e ot#er. 5't it is t#e re"o&nition #i"# one nation a((os it#in its territor to t#e (e&is(ative, e;e"'tive, or 2'di"ia( a"ts o* anot#er nation, #avin& d'e re&ard -ot# to internationa( d't and "onvenien"e and to t#e ri&#ts o* its on "iti9ens or o* ot#er !ersons 'nder t#e !rote"tion o* its (as. T#e "o+it t#'s e;tended to ot#er nations is no i+!ea"#+ent o* soverei&nt. It is t#e vo('ntar a"t o* t#e nation - #i"# it is o**ered, and is inad+issi-(e #en "ontrar to its !o(i", or !re2'di"ia( to its interests. 5't it "ontri-'tes so (ar&e( to !ro+ote 2'sti"e -eteen individ'a(s, and to !rod'"e a *riend( inter"o'rse -eteen t#e soverei&nties to #i"# t#e -e(on&, t#at "o'rts o* 2'sti"e #ave "ontin'a(( a"ted '!on it as a !art o* t#e vo('ntar (a o* nations. It is not t#e "o+it o* t#e "o'rts, -'t t#e "o+ito* t#e nation, #i"# is ad+inistered and as"ertained in t#e sa+e a, and &'ided - t#e sa+e reasonin&, - #i"# a(( ot#er !rin"i!(es o* +'ni"i!a( (a are as"ertained and &'ided. A(( t#e e**e"t #i"# *orei&n (as "an #ave in t#e territor o* a state de!ends a-so('te( on t#e e;!ress or ta"it "onsent o* t#at state. T#e e;!ress "onsent o* a state to t#e a!!(i"ation o* *orei&n (as it#in its territor is &iven - a"ts !assed - its (e&is(ative a't#orit, or - treaties "on"('ded it# ot#er states. Its ta"it "onsent is +ani*ested - t#e de"isions o* its 2'di"ia( and ad+inistrative a't#orities, as e(( as - t#e ritin&s o* its !'-(i"ists. T#ere is no o-(i&ation re"o&ni9ed - (e&is(ators, !'-(i" a't#orities, and !'-(i"ists to re&ard *orei&n (as: -'t t#eir a!!(i"ation is ad+itted on( *ro+ "onsiderations o* 'ti(it and t#e +'t'a( "onvenien"e o* states, ex commitate, obreciprocamutilitatem. No soverei&n is -o'nd, 'n(ess - s!e"ia( "o+!a"t, to e;e"'te it#in #is do+inions a 2'd&+ent rendered - t#e tri-'na(s o* anot#er state, and i* e;e"'tion -e so'&#t - s'it '!on t#e 2'd&+ent or ot#erise, t#e tri-'na( in #i"# t#e s'it is -ro'&#t, or *ro+ #i"# e;e"'tion is so'&#t, is on !rin"i!(e at (i-ert to e;a+ine into t#e +erits o* s'"# 2'd&+ent, and to &ive e**e"t to it or not, as +a -e *o'nd 2'st and e7'ita-(e. T#e &enera( "o+it, 'ti(it, and "onvenien"e o* nations #ave, #oever, esta-(is#ed a 'sa&e a+on& +ost "ivi(i9ed states - #i"# t#e *ina( 2'd&+ents o* *orei&n "o'rts o* "o+!etent 2'risdi"tion are re"i!ro"a(( "arried into e;e"'tion, 'nder "ertain re&'(ations and restri"tions, #i"# di**er in di**erent "o'ntries. C#an"e((or Kent sas> T#e e**e"t to -e &iven to *orei&n 2'd&+ents is a(to&et#er a +atter o* "o+it in "ases #ere it is not re&'(ated - treat. T#e "o'rt stated t#at "o+it as re"i!ro"a(. Sin"e 8ran"e did not re"o&ni9e *ina( 2'd&+ents o* t#e U.S., and o'(d tr s'"# 2'd&+ents ane, 2'd&e+ents &iven - 8ran"e o'(d -e &iven t#e sa+e treat+ent.T#ere*ore, t#e "o+it o* t#e United States did not re7'ire t#e "o'rt to &ive "on"('sive e**e"t to t#e 2'd&+ents o* t#e "o'rts o* 8ran"e. A foreign judgment is not entitled to full faith and credit when sued upon another nation, but is a prima facie evidence only of the claim. Comity was not afforded to foreign judgments when the country did not reciprocate comity .

De*endants "o'(d -e &ranted a ne tria(. Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 40


242 N.. !"# $#%2&'

)OHNSTON vs. COPAGNIEGENERALETRANSATLANTIUE FACTS:

A stea+s#i! "arrier, #i"# is a *orei&n "or!oration or&ani9ed 'nder t#e (as o* t#e Re!'-(i" o* 8ran"e ron&*'(( de(ivered &oods in #i"# t#e A+eri"an !(ainti** )o#nston *irst so'&#t re(ie* in t#e 8ren"# Co'rt. Hoever, !(ainti** *ai(ed to in t#e "a'se o* a"tion. He de"ided, t#en, to -rin& a se!arate a"tion -e*ore t#e A+eri"ans "o'rts in t#e State o* Ne or/. De*endant, Co+!a&nie Genera(e Transat(anti7'e set '! as a de*ense a 2'd&e+ent *ro+ a 8ren"# "o'rt '!on t#e sa+e "a'se o* a"tion. Loer "o'rts re*'sed to &ive e**e"t to t#e 8ren"# 2'd&+ent on t#e &ro'nd o* t#e re"i!ro"it re7'ire+ent *o((oin& - de"ision o* t#e S'!re+e Co'rt in Hi(ton vs. G'ot #erein t#e "ase t#en ent to t#e Ne or/ Co'rt o* A!!ea(. ISSUE:

W#et#er or not t#e Ne or/ Co'rt o* A!!ea( ere -o'nd to a!!( t#e re"i!ro"it re7'ire+ent *o((oin& t#e de"ision t#e Hi(ton "ase HELD:

No. Even t#o'&# 7'estions o* internationa( re(ations and "o+it are to -e deter+ined - t#e S'!re+e Co'rt o* t#e United State 6 and t#ere*ore t#e Hi(tonJs de"ision is "ontro((in& s'"# 7'estions as a state+ent o* (a6 t#e "o'rts in Ne or/ ere not -o'nd to *o((o t#e Hi(tonJs r'(in& -e"a'se t#e 7'estion is one o* !rivate rat#er t#an !'-(i" internationa( (a, o* !rivate ri&#t rat#er t#an !'-(i" re(ations and A+eri"an "o'rts i(( re"o&ni9e !rivate ri&#ts a"7'ired 'nder *orei&n (as. T#e "ase as -ro'&#t - an A+eri"an -e*ore a *orei&n "o'rt and t#e 8ren"# 2'd&+ent as so'&#t to -e 'sed de*ensive(. Nevert#e(ess, t#e "o'rt !re*erred to s!ea/ &enera((, and esta-(is#ed a &enera( !rin"i!(e - #i"# re"i!ro"it is not a "ondition *or t#e re"o&nition and en*or"e+ent o* *orei&n 2'd&+ents in t#e state o* Ne or/. T#e "o'rt ent even *'rt#er in disre&ardin& t#e Hi(tonJs r'(in&. Given t#e *a"t t#at t#e 8ren"# "o'rt #eard and de"ided t#e "ase 2'di"ia((, #onest(, and it# *'(( 2'risdi"tion and it# intension to arrive at t#e ri&#t "on"('sion...t#e 8ren"# 2'd&+ent s#o'(d -e &iven *'(( *ait# and "redit.



''4 N.. 99, 1'( N.E. 19

Ju0 1', 191.

LOUCKS et a(. vs. STANDARD OIL CO. O8 NEW ORK. FACTS:

Lo'"/s as /i((ed #en a ne&(i&ent driver e+!(oed - Standard Oi( 0De*endant1 ran #i+ don. T#e a""ident too/ !(a"e in assa"#'setts, -'t #e as a resident o* Ne or/, and #is ad+inistrator 0P(ainti**1 -ro'&#t a s'it *or ron&*'( deat# in Ne or/. T#e s'it as -ased on t#e assa"#'setts ron&*'( deat# stat'te, #i"# !rovided a +ini+'+ re"over o* B44 and a +a;i+'+ re"over o* $4,444 it# t#e a+o'nt o* da+a&es aarded to -e -ased on t#e de&ree o* *a'(t o* t#e de*endant. Standard Oi( 0De*endant1 +oved to dis+iss t#e "o+!(aint on t#e &ro'nds t#at t#e assa"#'setts Stat'te as !ena( in nat're and t#ere*ore 'nen*or"ea-(e in Ne or/. ISSUE:

a a ri&#t "reated - stat'te in one state -e en*or"ea-(e in anot#er state i* t#e en*or"e+ent o* t#e ri&#t o'(d not vio(ate t#e !'-(i" !o(i" o* t#e *or'+ and t#e 'nder(in& stat'te is not !ena( in nat're= HELD:

es. One state


L.R. - ;.6 1+9

GODARD vs. GRA FACTS:

P(ainti**s Godard are 8ren"#+en s'ed t#e de*endants, #o are En&(is#+en, on a "#arter !art +ade at S'nder(and, #i"# "#arter !art "ontained t#e *o((oin& "(a'se> Pena(t *or non6!er*or+an"e o* t#is a&ree+ent, esti+ated a+o'nt o* *rei&#t. T#e 8ren"# Co'rt -e(o, #avin& "o+!etent 2'risdi"tion, treatin& t#is "(a'se as *i;in& t#e a+o'nt o* (i7'idated da+a&es, &ave 2'd&+ent a&ainst t#e de*endants *or t#e a+o'nt o* *rei&#t on to voa&es. On a!!ea(, t#e s'!erior "o'rt red'"ed t#e a+o'nt to t#e esti+ated *rei&#t o* one voa&e, &ivin& as t#eir reason t#at t#e "#arter !art itse(* and t#e tri-'na( !ro"eeds to o-serve t#at t#e a+o'nt t#'s de"reed as a*ter a(( +ore t#an s'**i"ient to "over a(( t#e !(ainti**sJ (oss. A(( !arties in 8ran"e see+ to #ave ta/en t#e ord *or &ranted in t#e "#arter !art #i"# is to -e 'nderstood in t#eir nat'ra( +eanin&, Hoever in En&(is# (a is a""'rate( e;!ressed t#at !assa&e -een -ro'&#t to t#e noti"e o* t#e 8ren"# tri-'na(, it o'(d #ave /non t#at in an En&(is# "#arter !art, as is t#ere stated, S'"# a "(a'se is not t#e a-so('te (i+it o* da+a&es on eit#er side: t#e !art +a, i* #e t#in/s *it, &ro'nd #is a"tion '!on t#e ot#er "(a'ses or "ovenants, and +a, in s'"# a"tion, re"over da+a&es -eond t#e a+o'nt o* t#e !ena(t, i* in 2'sti"e t#e s#a(( -e *o'nd to e;"eed it. On t#e ot#er #and, i* t#e !art s'es on s'"# a !ena( "(a'se, #e "annot, in e**e"t, re"over +ore t#an t#e da+a&e a"t'a(( s'stained. 5't it as not -ro'&#t to t#e noti"e o* t#e 8ren"# tri-'na( t#at a""ordin& to t#e inter!retation !'t - t#e En&(is# (a on s'"# a "ontra"t, a !ena( "(a'se o* t#is sort as in *a"t id(e and ino!erative. I* it #ad -een, t#e o'(d, !ro-a-(, #ave inter!reted t#e En&(is# "ontra"t +ade in En&(and a""ordin& to t#e En&(is# "onstr'"tion. ISSUE:

t#at

W#et#er or not t#is is a -ar to t#e a"tion -ro'&#t in En&(and to en*or"e 2'd&+ent=

HELD:

It is not an ad+itted !rin"i!(e o* t#e (a o* nations t#at a State is -o'nd to en*or"e it#in its territories t#e 2'd&+ent o* a *orei&n tri-'na(. Severa( o* t#e "ontinenta( nations 0in"('din& 8ran"e1 do not en*or"e t#e 2'd&+ents o* ot#er "o'ntries, 'n(ess #ere t#ere is re"i!ro"a( treaties to t#at e**e"t. Hoever in En&(and and in t#ose States #i"# are &overned - t#e "o++on (a, s'"# 2'd&+ents are en*or"ed, not - virt'e o* an treat, nor - Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 43


virt'e o* an stat'te, -'t '!on a !rin"i!(e ver e(( stated - Par/e, 5., in Wi((ia+s v. )ones 0$@ . V W. 3: $ L.). E;"#. $B1> W#ere a Co'rt o* "o+!etent 2'risdi"tion #as ad2'di"ated a "ertain s'+ to -e d'e *ro+ one !erson to anot#er, a (e&a( o-(i&ation arises to !a t#e s'+, on #i"# an a"tion o* de-t to en*or"e t#e 2'd&+ent +a -e +aintained. It is in t#is a t#at t#e 2'd&+ents o* *orei&n and "o(onia( Co'rts are s'!!orted and en*or"ed.

A 2'd&+ent in !ersona+ o* a *orei&n "o'rt o* "o+!etent 2'risdi"tion "annot -e 7'estioned - t#e !arties on t#e +erits #en re"o&nition or en*or"e+ent o* t#e 2'd&+ent is so'&#t in En&(and, notit#standin& t#at it +a #ave -een ron& eit#er in *a"t or (a. T#is derived *ro+ t#e +ode o* !(eadin& an a"tion on a *orei&n 2'd&+ent in de-t, and not +ere( as eviden"e o* t#e o-(i&ation to !a t#e 'nder(in& (ia-i(it.



G.R. No. 1+7+7

)cto*!r 1', '(((

PHILIPPINE ALUINU WHEELS, INC.,!etitioner, vs. 8ASGI ENTERPRISES, INC., res!ondent. FACTS:

On 4$ )'ne $%, 8ASGI Enter!rises In"or!orated 08ASGI1, a "or!oration or&ani9ed and e;istin& 'nder and - virt'e o* t#e (as o* t#e State o* Ca(i*ornia, United States o* A+eri"a, entered into a distri-'tors#i! arran&e+ent it# P#i(i!!ine A('+in'+ W#ee(s, In"or!orated 0PAWI1, a P#i(i!!ine "or!oration, and 8rate((iPedriniSare99o S.P.A. 08PS1, an Ita(ian "or!oration. T#e a&ree+ent !rovided *or t#e !'r"#ase, i+!ortation and distri-'tors#i! in t#e United States o* a('+in'+ #ee(s +an'*a"t'red - PAWI. 8ASGI t#en !aid PAWI t#e 8O5 va('e o* t#e #ee(s. Un*ort'nate(, 8ASGI (ater *o'nd t#e s#i!+ent to -e de*e"tive and in non6"o+!(ian"e it# t#e "ontra"t. On 3$ Se!te+-er $%%, 8ASGI instit'ted an a"tion a&ainst PAWI and 8PS *or -rea"# o* "ontra"t and re"over o* da+a&es in t#e a+o'nt o* US3,@$,B%$.44 -e*ore t#e United States Distri"t Co'rt *or t#e Centra( Distri"t o* Ca(i*ornia. In t#e interi+, to a&ree+ents ere entered - t#e !arties -'t PAWI /e!t on *ai(in& to dis"#ar&e its o-(i&ations t#erein. Ir/ed - PAWI
W#et#er or not t#e P#i(i!!ine Co'rt +a en*or"e t#e said *orei&n 2'd&+ent= HELD: Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 45


In t#is 2'risdi"tion, a va(id 2'd&+ent rendered - a *orei&n tri-'na( +a -e re"o&ni9ed inso*ar as t#e i++ediate !arties and t#e 'nder(in& "a'se o* a"tion are "on"erned so (on& as it is "onvin"in&( s#on t#at t#ere #as -een an o!!ort'nit *or a *'(( and *air #earin& -e*ore a "o'rt o* "o+!etent 2'risdi"tion: t#at tria( '!on re&'(ar !ro"eedin&s #as -een "ond'"ted, *o((oin& d'e "itation or vo('ntar a!!earan"e o* t#e de*endant and 'nder a sste+ o* 2'ris!r'den"e (i/e( to se"'re an i+!artia( ad+inistration o* 2'sti"e: and t#at t#ere is not#in& to indi"ate eit#er a !re2'di"e in "o'rt and in t#e sste+ o* (as 'nder #i"# it is sittin& or *ra'd in !ro"'rin& t#e 2'd&+ent. PAWI "(ai+s t#at its "o'nse(, r. Read, #as a"ted it#o't its a't#orit. Qeri(, in t#is 2'risdi"tion, it is "(ear t#at an attorne "annot, it#o't a "(ient


G.R No. L/+-9+

Ju0 '9, 193(

2ARGARET ;UERU6IN re(a!sin&6a!!e((ant,

vs. SIL
In $%@, Si(vestre 'er'-in, a 8i(i!ino, +arried !etitioner ar&aret 'er'-in, in A(-'7'er7'e, Ne e;i"o. T#e #ad a da'&#ter, 'er'-ina. ar&aret *i(ed *or divor"e in $% a((e&in& +enta( "r'e(t. Si(vestre *i(ed a "o'nters'it *or divor"e a((e&in& ar&aretJs in*ide(it. In $%%, t#e S'!erior Co'rt o* Los An&e(es &ranted t#e divor"e and aarded 2oint "'stod o* t#e "#i(d. 'er'-ina as to -e /e!t in a ne'tra( #o+e s'-2e"t to reasona-(e visits - -ot# !arties. 5ot# !arents ere re6strained *ro+ ta/in& 'er'-ina o't o* Ca(i*ornia it#o't t#e !er+ission o* t#e Co'rt. On ar"# t#at ear, "'stod as &ranted to Si(vestre 'nder an inter(o"'tor de"ree 0a(t#o'&# t#e "#i(d as sti(( /e!t in t#e ne'tra( #o+e1 -e"a'se at t#e ti+e o* t#e tria(, ar&aret as (ivin& it# anot#er +an. Si(vestre, to&et#er it# 'er'-ina, (e*t San 8ran"is"o on Nove+-er o* t#e sa+e ear, ent to t#e P#i(i!!ines and staed in Ca&aan, I(o"os S'r, it# t#e intent o* !rote"tin& t#e "#i(d *ro+ t#e e**e"ts o* #er +ot#erJs s"anda(o's "ond'"t. He anted t#e "#i(d to -e raised in a -etter environ+ent. U!on ar&aretJs !etition, t#e inter(o"'tor de"ree as +odi*ied. Sin"e s#e #ad t#en +arried t#e +an s#e as (ivin& it# and #ad a sta-(e #o+e, t#e Co'rt &ranted "'stod to ar&aret it# reasona-(e (i+itations on t#e !art o* t#e *at#er and #e as a(so ordered to !a *or t#e s'!!ort o* t#e "#i(d @4 ea"# +ont# on t#e *irst da t#ereo*. In $%B4, ar&aret, t#ro'&# "o'nse(, !resented to t#e C8I a !etition *or #a-eas "or!'s *or t#e "'stod o* 'er'-ina 'nder t#e inter(o"'tor de"ree o* t#e Ca(i*ornia Co'rt. S#e "(ai+s t#at 'nder Art.  o* R'(e @%, t#e de"ree o* t#e Los An&e(es Co'rt, &rantin& #er t#e "#i(dJs "'stod, +'st -e "o+!(ied it#in t#e P#i(i!!ines. In t#e #earin& o* t#e "ase in t#e Co'rt o* 8irst Instan"e o* I(o"os S'r, t#e Res!ondent stated t#at #e #ad -ro'&#t #is da'&#ter to t#e P#i(i!!ines -e"a'se #e anted to !revent #er /noin& a-o't t#e +is"ond'"t and in*ide(it "o++itted - t#e +ot#er. T#e a!!ea( said t#at #er da'&#ter anted to -e -red in an environ+ent o* #i&# +ora(s.



ISSUE:

$. Is t#e inter(o"'tor de"ree ordered in Ca(i*ornia "o'rt -e in *or"e in P#i(i!!ines= 3. Is ar&aret entit(ed to t#e "'stod o* 'er'-ina= RULING:

$. No. 5e"a'se t#e inter(o"'tor de"ree is not a *ina( de"ision, it "annot -e as/ed *or t#eir *'(*i((+ent in t#e P#i(i!!ines. 5e*ore s'"# a 2'd&+ent rendered in one state is entit(ed to a""e!tan"e, in "o'rts o* anot#er state, as "on"('sive +erits, it +'st -e a *ina( 2'd&+ent and not +ere( an inter(o"'tor de"ree. 3. No. 8irst(, 'nder t#e divor"e (a t#e s!o'se #o as de"(ared &'i(t o* +arita( in*ide(it is not entit(ed to t#e "'stod o* +inor "#i(dren. Se"ond(, 'nder t#e "'rrent (e&is(ation, +ora(it and !'-(i" order, t#e "#i(d s#o'(d -e o't o* t#e "are o* t#e +ot#er #o #as vio(ated t#e oat# o* *ide(it to #er #'s-and. T#e 2'd&+ent o* *orei&n "o'rts "annot -e in *or"e in t#e P#i(i!!ines i* t#e are "ontrar to (as, "'sto+s and !'-(i" order. 8or t#e e(*are o* t#e "#i(d 'er'-ina, #i"# is #at +atters +ost in t#is "ase, t#e "'stod o* t#e *at#er s#o'(d -e "onsidered !re*erentia(. T#e r'(in& is '!#e(d on a!!ea(. T#e a!!e((ant !a t#e "osts.



G.R. No. 77(3

A5ri0 '-, 199

PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING CORPORATION 0PISC1, GEORGE LI, ARCOS 5AUTISTA, CARLOS LAUDE, TAN SING LI, ANTONIO LIU LAO, ONG TEH, PHILIPPINE CONSORTIU CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION, PACI8IC ILLS, INC., and UNIQERSAL STEEL SELTING CO., INC.,!etitioners, vs. THE HON. COURT O8 APPEALS, HON. )OSE C. DE GUZAN, as )'d&e !residin& 5ran"# %@ o* t#e Re&iona( Tria( Co'rt o* 'e9on Cit, INTERPOOL, LTD. and SHERI88 NOR5ERTO Q. DO5LADA )R., res!ondents. FACTS:

In $%% to $%$, P#i(i!!ine Internationa( S#i!!in& Cor!oration 0PISC1 (eased *ro+ Inter!oo( Ltd. and its #o(( oned s'-sidiar, t#e Container Tradin& Cor!oration, severa( "ontainers !'rs'ant to t#e e+-ers#i! A&ree+ent and Hirin& Conditions and t#e aster E7'i!+ent Leasin& A&ree+ent -ot# dated )'ne , $%%. T#e ot#er !etitioners P#i(i!!ine Constr'"tion Consorti'+ Cor!oration, Pa"i*i" i((s In". and Universa( Stee( S+e(tin& Co+!an, &'aranteed to !a t#e o-(i&ation d'e and an (ia-i(it o* t#e PISC arisin& o't o* t#e (easin& or !'r"#asin& o* e7'i!+ent. In $%% to $%$, PISC in"'rred o'tstandin& and 'n!aid o-(i&ations it# Inter!oo( re!resentin& 'n!aid !er die+s, dro!6o** "#ar&es, interest and ot#er a&reed "#ar&es, res'(tin& in a "ase -e*ore t#e US Distri"t Co'rt, So't#ern Distri"t o* Ne or/ #erein a de*a'(t 2'd&+ent a&ainst !etitioners as rendered orderin& t#e "or!. to !a t#e (i7'idated da+a&es, to&et#er it# interest. To en*or"e t#e de*a'(t 2'd&+ent o* t#e US Distri"t Co'rt, a "o+!(aint as instit'ted a&ainst PISC and ot#er &'arantors -e*ore t#e C RTC. PISC *ai(ed to anser t#e "o+!(aint and t#e ere de"(ared in de*a'(t. T#e RTC r'(ed in *avor o* Inter!oo( and #i"# as a**ir+ed - t#e CA. In t#e *irst instan"e, !etitioners "ontended t#at t#e U.S. Distri"t Co'rt never a"7'ired 2'risdi"tion over t#eir !ersons as t#e #ad not -een served it# s'++oned and a "o! o* t#e "o+!(aint. In t#e se"ond instan"e, !etitioners "ontend t#at s'"# 2'risdi"tiona( in*ir+it e**e"tive( !revented t#e Re&iona( Tria( Co'rt o* 'e9on Cit *ro+ ta/in& "o&ni9an"e o* t#e Co+!(aint in Civi( Case No. 6@%%3 and *ro+ en*or"in& t#e U.S. Distri"t Co'rtJs De*a'(t )'d&+ent a&ainst t#e+. Petitioners "ontended, *ina((, t#at ass'+in& t#e va(idit o* t#e dis!'ted De*a'(t )'d&+ent, t#e sa+e +a -e en*or"ed on( a&ainst !etitioner PISC t#e % !etitioners not #avin& -een i+!(eaded ori&ina(( in t#e "ase *i(ed in Ne or/, U.S.A.



ISSUE:

S#o'(d t#e US Distri"t Co'rt de*a'(t 2'd&+ent -e en*or"ed PISC and a&ainst t#e % ot#er !etitioners= HELD:

es. T#e eviden"e o* re"ord "(ear( s#os t#at t#e U.S. Distri"t Co'rt #ad va(id( a"7'ired 2'risdi"tion over PISC 'nder t#e !ro"ed'ra( (a a!!(i"a-(e in t#at *or'+ i.e., t#e U.S. 8edera( R'(es on Civi( Pro"ed're. Co!ies o* t#e S'++ons and Co+!(aint #i"# ere in *a"t atta"#ed to t#e Petition *or Revie *i(ed it# t#e SC, ere sta+!ed Re"eived, $ )an $%@, PISC ani(a. indi"atin& t#at servi"e t#ereo* #ad -een +ade '!on and a"/no(ed&ed - t#e PISC o**i"e in ani(a on, $ )an'ar $%@ T#at *orei&n 2'd&+ent6#i"# #ad -e"o+e *ina( and e;e"'tor, no a!!ea( #avin& -een ta/en t#ere*ro+ and !er*e"ted - !etitioner PISC6is t#'s !res'+!tive eviden"e o* a ri&#t as -eteen t#e !arties and t#eir s'""essors in interest - a s'-se7'ent tit(e. T#e SC note, *'rt#er t#at t#ere #as -een in t#is "ase no s#oin& - !etitioners t#at t#e De*a'(t )'d&+ent rendered - t#e U.S. Distri"t Co'rt as vitiated - ant o* noti"e to t#e !art, "o(('sion, *ra'd, or "(ear +ista/e o* (a or *a"t. In ot#er ords, t#e De*a'(t )'d&+ent i+!osin& '!on !etitioner PISC a (ia-i(it o* U.S. %,B.3 in *avor o* res!ondent Inter!oo(, is va(id and +a -e en*or"ed in t#is 2'risdi"tion. T#e e;isten"e o* (ia-i(it on t#e !art o* !etitioner PISC #avin& -een d'( esta-(is#ed in t#e U.S. "ase, it as not i+!ro!er *or res!ondent Inter!oo(, in see/in& en*or"e+ent in t#is 2'risdi"tion o* t#e *orei&n 2'd&+ent i+!osin& s'"# (ia-i(it, to #ave in"('ded t#e ot#er % !etitioners #erein 0i.e., Geor&e Li+, ar"os 5a'tista, Car(os La'de, Tan Sin& Li+, Antonio Li' Lao, On& Te# P#i(i!!ine Consorti'+ Constr'"tion Cor!oration, Pa"i*i" i((s, In". and Universa( Stee( S+e(tin& Co., In".1 as de*endants in "ivi( "ase, *i(ed it# t#e Re&iona( Tria( Co'rt o* 'e9on Cit. T#e re"ord s#os t#at said % !etitioners #ad e;e"'ted "ontin'in& &'arantees to se"'re !er*or+an"e - !etitioner PISC o* its "ontra"t'a( o-(i&ations. As &'arantors, t#e #ad #e(d t#e+se(ves o't as (ia-(e. W#et#er 2oint(, severa((, or in t#e a(ternative, to res!ondent Inter!oo( 'nder t#eir se!arate "ontin'in& &'arantees e;e"'ted in t#e P#i(i!!ines. T#e Ne or/ aard o* U.S. %,B.3 is !re"ise( !re+ised '!on a -rea"# - PISC o* its on o-(i&ations 'nder t#ose A&ree+ents. T#e SC "onsidered t#e % ot#er !etitioners as !ersons a&ainst #o+ a ri&#t to re(ie* in res!e"t to or arisin& o't o* t#e sa+e transa"tion or series o* transa"tions #as -een a((e&ed to e;ist and, "onse7'ent(, !ro!er( i+!(eaded as de*endants. T#ere as, in ot#er ords, no need at a((, in order t#at "ase o'(d !ros!er, *or res!ondent Inter!oo( to #ave *irst i+!(eaded t#e % ot#er !etitioners in t#e Ne or/ "ase and o-tained 2'd&+ent a&ainst a(( $4 !etitioners.



G.R. No. 11'37+

F!*ru#r 9, 1993

NORTHWEST ORIENT AIRLINES, INC. !etitioner, vs. COURT O8 APPEALS and C.8. SHARP V COPAN INC., res!ondents. FACTS:

Petitioner Nort#est Orient Air(ines, In". 0NORTHWEST1, a "or!oration or&ani9ed 'nder t#e (as o* t#e State o* innesota, U.S.A., so'&#t to en*or"e in t#e RTC6 ani(a, a 2'd&+ent rendered in its *avor - a )a!anese "o'rt a&ainst !rivate res!ondent C.8. S#ar! V Co+!an, In"., 0SHARP1, a "or!oration in"or!orated 'nder P#i(i!!ine (as. On a %, $%, Nort#est Air(ines and S#ar!, t#ro'&# its )a!an -ran"#, entered into an Internationa( Passen&er Sa(es A&en" A&ree+ent, #ere- t#e *or+er a't#ori9ed t#e (atter to se(( its air trans!ortation ti"/ets. Una-(e to re+it t#e !ro"eeds o* t#e ti"/et sa(es +ade - de*endant on -e#a(* o* t#e !(ainti** 'nder t#e said a&ree+ent, !(ainti** on ar"# 3B, $%4 s'ed de*endant in To/o, )a!an, *or "o((e"tion o* t#e 'nre+itted !ro"eeds o* t#e ti"/et sa(es, it# "(ai+ *or da+a&es. A*ter t#e to atte+!ts o* servi"e at its O**i"e at t#e Tai#eio 5'i(din&, @rd *(oor, $@3, a+as#ita6"#o, Na/a6/', o/o#o+a, Kana&aa Pre*e"t're - t#e @t# Civi( De!art+ent, To/o Distri"t Co'rt o* )a!an, t#e 2'd&e o* t#e To/o Distri"t Co'rt de"ided to #ave t#e "o+!(aint and t#e rits o* s'++ons served at t#e #ead o**i"e o* t#e de*endant in ani(a. On )'( $$, $%4, t#e Dire"tor o* t#e To/o Distri"t Co'rt re7'ested t#e S'!re+e Co'rt o* )a!an to serve t#e s'++ons t#ro'&# di!(o+ati" "#anne(s '!on t#e de*endant 0$1 t#e *orei&n 2'd&+ent so'&#t to -e en*or"ed is n'(( and void *or ant o* 2'risdi"tion and 031 t#e said 2'd&+ent is "ontrar to P#i(i!!ine (a and !'-(i" !o(i" and rendered it#o't d'e !ro"ess o* (a. Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 51


In its de"ision, t#e Co'rt o* A!!ea(s s'stained t#e tria( "o'rt. It a&reed it# t#e (atter in its re(ian"e '!on 5o'dard vs. Tait #erein it as #e(d t#at t#e !ro"ess o* t#e "o'rt #as no e;traterritoria( e**e"t and no 2'risdi"tion is a"7'ired over t#e !erson o* t#e de*endant - servin& #i+ -eond t#e -o'ndaries o* t#e state. To s'!!ort its !osition, t#e Co'rt o* A!!ea(s *'rt#er stated> In an a"tion stri"t( in !ersona+, s'"# as t#e instant "ase, !ersona( servi"e o* s'++ons it#in t#e *or'+ is re7'ired *or t#e "o'rt to a"7'ire 2'risdi"tion over t#e de*endant 0a&da(ena Estate In". vs. Nieto, $3B SCRA 3@41. To "on*er 2'risdi"tion on t#e "o'rt, !ersona( or s'-stit'ted servi"e o* s'++ons on t#e de*endant not e;traterritoria( servi"e is ne"essar. ISSUE:

Wo'(d t#e )a!anese "o'rt #ave 2'risdi"tion over C.8. S#ar! V Co+!an In".= HELD:

ES. A *orei&n 2'd&+ent is !res'+ed to -e va(id and -indin& in t#e "o'ntr *ro+ #i"# it "o+es, 'nti( t#e "ontrar is s#on. It is a(so !ro!er to !res'+e t#e re&'(arit o* t#e !ro"eedin&s and t#e &ivin& o* d'e noti"e t#erein. T#e 2'd&+ent +a, #oever, -e assai(ed - eviden"e o* ant o* 2'risdi"tion, ant o* noti"e to t#e !art, "o(('sion, *ra'd, or "(ear +ista/e o* (a or *a"t. 5ein& t#e !art "#a((en&in& t#e 2'd&+ent rendered - t#e )a!anese "o'rt, SHARP #ad t#e d't to de+onstrate t#e inva(idit o* s'"# 2'd&+ent. It is sett(ed t#at +atters o* re+ed and !ro"ed're s'"# as t#ose re(atin& to t#e servi"e o* !ro"ess '!on a de*endant are &overned - t#e (e;*ori or t#e interna( (a o* t#e *or'+. In t#is "ase, it is t#e !ro"ed'ra( (a o* )a!an #ere t#e 2'd&+ent as rendered t#at deter+ines t#e va(idit o* t#e e;traterritoria( servi"e o* !ro"ess on SHARP. As to #at t#is (a is, it is a 7'estion o* *a"t, not o* (a. It as t#en in"'+-ent '!on SHARP to !resent eviden"e as to #at t#at )a!anese !ro"ed'ra( (a is and to s#o t#at 'nder it, t#e assai(ed e;traterritoria( servi"e is inva(id. 5't, it did not. A""ordin&(, t#e !res'+!tion o* va(idit and re&'(arit o* t#e servi"e o* s'++ons and t#e de"ision t#erea*ter rendered - t#e )a!anese "o'rt +'st stand. A(ternative( in t#e (i&#t o* t#e a-sen"e o* !roo* re&ardin& )a!anese (a, t#e !res'+!tion o* identit or si+i(arit or t#e so6"a((ed !ro"ess'a( !res'+!tion +a -e invo/ed. A!!(in& it, t#e )a!anese (a on t#e +atter is !res'+ed to -e si+i(ar it# t#e P#i(i!!ine (a on servi"e o* s'++ons on a !rivate *orei&n "or!oration doin& -'siness in t#e P#i(i!!ines. Se"tion $, R'(e $ o* t#e R'(es o* Co'rt !rovides t#at i* t#e de*endant is a *orei&n "or!oration doin& -'siness in t#e P#i(i!!ines, servi"e +a -e +ade> 0$1 on its resident a&ent desi&nated in a""ordan"e it# (a *or t#at !'r!ose, or, 031 i* Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 52


t#ere is no s'"# resident a&ent, on t#e &overn+ent o**i"ia( desi&nated - (a to t#at e**e"t: or 0@1 on an o* its o**i"ers or a&ents it#in t#e P#i(i!!ines. W#ere t#e "or!oration #as no s'"# a&ent, servi"e s#a(( -e +ade on t#e &overn+ent o**i"ia( desi&nated - (a, to it> 0a1 t#e Ins'ran"e Co++issioner in t#e "ase o* a *orei&n ins'ran"e "o+!an: 0-1 t#e S'!erintendent o* 5an/s, in t#e "ase o* a *orei&n -an/in& "or!oration: and 0"1 t#e Se"'rities and E;"#an&e Co++ission, in t#e "ase o* ot#er *orei&n "or!orations d'( (i"ensed to do -'siness in t#e P#i(i!!ines. No#ere in its !(eadin&s did SHARP !ro*ess to #avin& #ad a resident a&ent a't#ori9ed to re"eive "o'rt !ro"esses in )a!an.W#i(e it +a -e tr'e t#at servi"e "o'(d #ave -een +ade '!on an o* t#e o**i"ers or a&ents o* SHARP at its t#ree ot#er -ran"#es in )a!an, t#e avai(a-i(it o* s'"# a re"o'rse o'(d not !re"('de servi"e '!on t#e !ro!er &overn+ent o**i"ia(, as stated a-ove.As *o'nd - t#e res!ondent "o'rt, to atte+!ts o* servi"e ere +ade at SHARP


G.R. No. 1+9+'3

A5ri0 1', '((3

PRISCILLA C. I)ARES, LORETTA ANN P. ROSALES, HILDA 5. NARCISO, SR. ARIANI DIARANAN, S8IC, and )OEL C. LAANGAN in t#eir -e#a(* and on -e#a(* o* t#e C(ass P(ainti**s in C(ass A"tion No. DL 4, United States Distri"t Co'rt o* Haaii, !etitioners, vs. HON. SANTIAGO )AQIER RANADA, in #is "a!a"it as Presidin& )'d&e o* 5ran"# $@, Re&iona( Tria( Co'rt, a/ati Cit, and t#e ESTATE O8 8ERDINAND E. ARCOS, t#ro'&# its "o'rt a!!ointed (e&a( re!resentatives in C(ass A"tion DL 4, United States Distri"t Co'rt o* Haaii, na+e(> I+e(da R. ar"os and 8erdinand ar"os, )r., res!ondents, A!ri( $3, 344B FACTS:

Invo/in& t#e A(ien Tort A"t, !etitioners i2ares, et a(., a(( o* #o+ s'**ered #'+an ri&#ts vio(ations d'rin& t#e ar"os era, o-tained a 8ina( )'d&+ent in t#eir *avor a&ainst t#e Estate o* t#e (ate 8erdinand ar"os a+o'ntin& to ro'&#( $.%5 in "o+!ensator and e;e+!(ar da+a&es *or tort'o's vio(ations o* internationa( (a in t#e US Distri"t Co'rt o* Haaii. T#is 8ina( )'d&+ent as a**ir+ed - t#e US Co'rt o* A!!ea(s. As a "onse7'en"e, Petitioners *i(ed a Co+!(aint it# t#e RTC a/ati *or t#e en*or"e+ent o* t#e 8ina( )'d&+ent, !ain& P$4 as do"/et and *i(in& *ees -ased on R'(e $$, Se".  0-1 #ere t#e va('e o* t#e s'-2e"t +atter is in"a!a-(e o* !e"'niar esti+ation. T#e Estate o* ar"os, #oever, *i(ed a +otion to dis+iss a((e&in& t#e non6!a+ent o* t#e "orre"t *i(in& *ees. Re&iona( Tria( Co'rt o* a/ati dis+issed t#e Co+!(aint statin& t#at t#e s'-2e"t +atter as "a!a-(e o* !e"'niar esti+ation as it invo(ved a 2'd&+ent rendered - a *orei&n "o'rt orderin& t#e !a+ent o* a de*inite s'+ o* +one a((oin& *or t#e eas deter+ination o* t#e va('e o* t#e *orei&n 2'd&+ent. As s'"#, t#e !ro!er *i(in& *ee as P3, #i"# Petitioners #ad not !aid. In dis+issin& t#e "o+!(aint, t#e res!ondent 2'd&e re(ied on Se"tion 0a1, R'(e $$ as -asis *or t#e "o+!'tation o* t#e *i(in& *ee o* over P3 i((ion. ISSUES:

$. Is t#e a+o'nt !aid - t#e !etitioners t#e !ro!er *i(in& *ee= 3. Is it ne"essar *or an a"tion to -e *i(ed in order to en*or"e a *orei&n 2'd&+ent= @. Is t#ere a distin"tion -eteen a"tion one in !ersona+ and in re+=



. Wo'(d t#e a"tiona-( a"tiona-(e e iss'es -e &enera(( &enera(( restri"ted restri"ted to to a revie o* o* 2'risdi"tion o* t#e *orei&n "o'rt, t#e servi"e o* !ersona( noti"e, "o(('sion, *ra'd, or +ista/e o* *a"t or (a=

HELD:

$. es, es, -'t on a di**er di**erent ent -asisa -asisa+o' +o'nt nt +ere( +ere( "orres!on "orres!onds ds to t#e sa+e a+o'nt re7'ired *or ot#er a"tions not invo(vin& !ro!ert. RTC a/ati erred in "on"('din& "on"('din& t#at t#e *i(in& *ee s#o'(d -e "o+!'ted "o+!'ted on t#e -asis o* t#e tota( s'+ "(ai+ed or t#e stated va('e o* t#e !ro!ert in (iti&ation. T#e Petitioner

!ersona( noti"e, "o(('sion, *ra'd, or +ista/e o* *a"t or (a. T#e (i+itations on revie is in "onsonan"e it# a stron& and !ervasive !o(i" in a(( (e&a( sste+s to (i+it re!etitive (iti&ation on "(ai+s and iss'es. Ot#erise /non as t#e !o(i" o* !re"('sion, it see/s to !rote"t !art e;!e"tations res'(tin& *ro+ *ro+ !rev !revio io's 's (iti (iti&a &ati tion on,, to sa*e sa*e&' &'ar ard d a&ai a&ains nstt t#e t#e #ara #arass ss+e +ent nt o* de*endants, to ins're t#at t#e tas/ o* "o'rts not -e in"reased - never6 endin& (iti&ation o* t#e sa+e dis!'tes, and in a (ar&er sense to !ro+ote #at Lord Co/e in t#e 8errer rest and 7'ietness. I* ever 2'd&+ent o* a *orei&n "o'rt ere reviea-(e on t#e +erits, t#e !(ainti** o'(d -e *or"ed -a"/ on #isF#er ori&ina( "a'se o* a"tion, renderin& i++ateria( t#e !revio's( "on"('ded (iti&ation.



G.R. No. L/'('

Jun! ', 1974

COISSIONER O8 IIGRATION IIGRATION and CAPTAIN CAPTAIN DEL8IN ACALINAO, CIS, PC, !etitioners, vs. )UAN GARCIA, res!ondent. FACTS:

Te-an Te-an Caoi(e, it# #is t#ree -rot#ers, arrived at t#e !ort o* ani(a on )'ne , $%$ $%$.. He a!!( a!!(ie ied d *or ad+i ad+iss ssio ion n as a P#i( P#i(ii!!in !!ine e "iti "iti9e 9en n 'nde 'nderr #is #is do"'+entation iss'ed *or t#at !'r!ose - t#e P#i(i!!ine Cons'(ate Genera( at Hon&/on&. A*ter #earin&, t#e 5oard o* S!e"ia( In7'ir rendered a de"ision dated )'ne 3@, $%$, a((oin& #is ad+ission on t#e ass'+!tion t#at #e as t#e son o* Antonio Caoi(e o* Urdaneta, Pan&asinan #o as a((e&ed( -orn on )'( @4, $%$@ as t#e i((e&iti+ate "#i(d o* aria Caoi(e and a C#ina+an. On )'( , $%$ t#e 5oard o* Co++issioners o* I++i&ration too/ t#e *o((oin& a"tion on t#e de"ision o* t#e 5oard o* S!e"ia( In7'ir> Co++issioner E+i(io L. Ga(an& voted *or t#e e;"('sion o* Te-an Caoi(e and #is -rot#ers, #i(e De!'t Co++issioners 8ran"is"o de (a Rosa and 8e(i; Ta(a-is si+!( rote t#e ord noted and, -e(o t#at a+-i&'o's ord, t#e to a**i;ed t#eir si&nat'res. T#e si&ni*i"an"e o* t#at e7'ivo"a( a"tion is a "ontroverted !oint in t#is "ase. On )'( $4, $%$ t#e 5'rea' o* I++i&ration iss'ed to Te-an Caoi(e Identi*i"ation Certi*i"ate No. $B #i"# stated inter alia t#at Te-an Caoi(e, +a(e, 3 ears o(d, sin&(e, #ose !i"t're and *in&er!rint are a**i;ed #ereto, as -orn in A+o 8'/ien, C#ina on Nove+-er , $%@3, e; CPA !(ane on )'ne , $%$, as ad+itted as "iti9en o* t#e P#i(i!!ines as !er de"ision o* t#e 5oard o* S!e" S!e"ia ia(( In7' In7'ir ir date dated d )'ne )'ne 3@, $%$ $%$,, d'( d'(,, a**i a**ir+ r+ed ed - t#e t#e +a2o +a2ori rit t o* t#e t#e +e+-ers o* t#e 5oard o* Co++issioners, I. C. No. $6$$6C 0si"1. T#erea*ter, Te-an Caoi(e re&istered as a voter, o-tained a P#i(i!!ine !ass!ort, !aid residen"e and in"o+e ta;es, or/ed in t#e Aven'e E(e"tri"a( S'!!( Co+!an 0Aves"o1 and -e"a+e a +e+-er o* t#e So"ia( Se"'rit Sste+. T#e Se"retar dire"ted t#e 5oard o* Co++issioners to revie a(( de"isions o* t#e 5oard o* S!e"ia( In7'ir ad+ittin& entr o* a(iens into t#is "o'ntr and &ive !re*eren"e to a(( "ases #ere entr #as -een !er+itted on t#e &ro'nd t#at t#e entrant is a "iti9en o* t#e P#i(i!!ines. T#e Co++issioners "on"('ded t#at Te-an Caoi(e and #is t#ree -rot#ers #ad not satis*a"tori( esta-(is#ed t#eir P#i(i!!ine "iti9ens#i!. T#eir ret'rn to t#e !ort #en"e t#e "a+e or to t#e "o'ntr o* #i"# t#e #e are are nati natio ona(s na(s as orde ordere red. d. On t#at #at sa+e a+e date, ate, )'ne )'ne 3@rd, @rd, t#e Co++issioner o* I++i&ration iss'ed a arrant o* e;"('sion to i+!(e+ent t#e de"ision. P'rs'ant to t#at arrant, Te-an Caoi(e as arrested on ar"# $4, $% - Ca!tain a"a(inao and detained at t#e O**i"e o* t#e Consta-'(arJs Cri+ina( Investi&ation Servi"e at Ca+! Cra+e. Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 57


On ar"# $3, $% )'an Gar"ia, a re(ative o* Te-anCaoi(e, *i(ed a !etition *or #a-eas "or!'s in t#e Co'rt o* 8irst Instan"e o* Ri9a(, 'e9on Cit 5ran"#, on t#e &ro'nd t#at Caoi(e, as a 8i(i!ino "iti9en, as i((e&a(( detained. T#e tria( "o'rt iss'ed an order re7'irin& t#e !rod'"tion in Co'rt o* Te-an Caoi(e. On ar"# $, $% t#e Co++issioner o* I++i&ration, in #is ret'rn, e;!(ained t#at Caoi(e as detained - virt'e o* t#e arrant o* e;"('sion i+!(e+entin& t#e de"ision o* t#e 5oard o* Co++issioners. T#e "ase as s'-+itted *or de"ision on t#e -asis o* a sti!'(ation o* *a"ts and on t#e testi+onies o* Antonio Caoi(e and I++i&ration Co++issioner Qivo. Antonio Caoi(e, t#e s'!!osed *at#er o* Te-an Caoi(e, de"(ared t#at #e is a 8i(i!ino "iti9en. He "ate&ori"a(( a**ir+ed "that he does not know eban Caoile"! that "it was only in the hearing of the case that he saw eban Caoile" and that he #ntonio$ was married only about five years prior to %&'( .

On ar"# 3, $% t#e tria( "o'rt rendered a de"ision dis+issin& t#e !etition *or habeas corpus. It *o'nd t#at Te-an Caoi(e as (e&a(( detained. )'an Gar"ia a!!ea(ed to t#e Co'rt o* A!!ea(s, #ere #e reneed #is +otion *or Caoi(eJs re(ease on -ai( #i"# #ad -een denied - t#e tria( "o'rt. T#e Co++issioner o* I++i&ration o!!osed t#e +otion. T#e Co'rt o* A!!ea(s a((oed Caoi(eJs re(ease '!on #is !ostin& -ai( in t#e s'+ o* PB,444. T#e Co++issioner *i(ed in t#is Co'rt a !etition *or certiorari and !ro#i-ition, #erein #e assai(ed t#e reso('tion a((oin& t#e re(ease o* Caoi(e on -ai(. T#e !etition as dis+issed. ISSUE:

W#et#er or not Te-an Caoi(e is a 8i(i!ino Citi9en= HELD:

No. T#e *irst 5oard o* Co++issioners did not +eet "o((e"tive( to dis"'ss and de(i-erate on t#e de"ision o* t#e 5oard o* S!e"ia( In7'ir. Its a"tion as set aside - e+orand'+ Order No. % o* t#e Se"retar o* )'sti"e. Individ'a( a"tion - t#e +e+-ers o* t#e 5oard o* Co++issioners renders n'&ator t#e !'r!ose o* its "onstit'tion as a -oard. T#e (ater 5oard o* Co++issioners, #eaded - t#e a!!e((ant, a"ted on t#e #!ot#esis t#at t#e do"'+entation s'!!ortin& Te-an Caoi(eJs a((e&ed P#i(i!!ine "iti9ens#i! as *ra'd'(ent and +an'*a"t'red. T#at "on"('sion as "on*ir+ed - t#e testi+on o* Antonio Caoi(e, #o, at ris/ o* -ein& indi"ted *or !er2'r, denied an !aterna( re(ations#i! to Te-an Caoi(e. His testi+on i+!(ied t#at a +onstro's de"e!tion as !ra"ti"ed '!on t#e i++i&ration a't#orities. T#e *o'ndation o* Te-an Caoi(eJs assertion o* P#i(i!!ine "iti9ens#i! is #is re!resentation t#at #e is Antonio Caoi(eJs son. T#at *o'ndation "o((a!sed #en Antonio Caoi(e revea(ed t#at #e "o'(d not #ave -een t#e *at#er o* Te-an Caoi(e. His reve(ation -e(ied Te-an Caoi(eJs do"'+entation o* P#i(i!!ine "iti9ens#i! and 'n+as/ed it as an i+!osition. W#en a !art resorts to *a(se#ood Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 58


or *ra'd in order to stren&t#en #is eviden"e, it is !res'+ed t#at #e /nos !er*e"t( e(( t#at #is "a'se is &ro'nd(ess.



G.R. No. L/'34+9

2#rc ', 19-9

IN RE> PETITION 8OR CORRECTION O8 ENTR O8 CERTI8ICATE O8 5IRTH O8 THE INOR, CHUA TAN CHUAN. CHUA TAN CHUAN, !etitioner6a!!e((ee, vs. REPU5LIC O8 THE PHILIPPINES, o!!ositor6a!!e((ant. FACTS:

A veri*ied !etition as *i(ed on A!ri( 3, $%B - t#e !etitioner C#'a Tan C#'an t#r' "o'nse( Att. Pere&rino . Andres *or t#e !'r!ose o* "#an&in& t#e nationa(it o* #is son )a"o- C#'a *ro+ C#inese to 8i(i!ino as "o'(d -e *o'nd in t#e -irt# "erti*i"ate o* )a"o- C#'a. T#e !etitioner in t#is "ase is a resident o* Sta. Ana, Davao Cit, P#i(i!!ines and is a C#inese "iti9en, #i(e t#e +inor )a"o- C#'a is 'nder t#e "'stod and s'!!ort o* t#e !etitioner as a""ordin& to t#e de"ision o* t#is Honora-(e Co'rt ...: t#at a""ordin& to t#e -irt# "erti*i"ate o* t#e +inor !re!ared - t#e attendin& !#si"ian, #e as -orn at t#e 5ro/ens#ire e+oria( Hos!ita( on O"to-er 3, $%B. T#e nationa(it o* t#e +inor is indi"ated in t#e -irt# "erti*i"ate as C#inese instead o* 8i(i!ino, and a""ordin& to t#e de"ision o* t#is Co'rt ... o* t#e "o+!(aint *i(ed - Leon"ia an&(an&it a&ainst t#e !etitioner C#'a Tan C#'an, it as *o'nd t#at t#e !etitioner and t#e !(ainti** ere not (e&a(( +arried -'t t#e (ive as "o++on6(a #'s-and and i*e: t#at )a"o- C#'a is t#e i((e&iti+ate "#i(d o* Leon"ia an&(an&it: and a""ordin& to E;#i-it JEJ #i"# is t#e -irt# "erti*i"ate o* t#e +inor, stated t#at t#e nationa(it o* t#e "#i(d is C#inese and s'"# entr as e;!(ained - t#e !etitioner t#at t#ere as a +ista/e so t#at #e #as -een as/in& *or "orre"tion o* t#e "erti*i"ate o* -irt# o* t#e +inor. T#e (oer "o'rt, t#e Honora-(e Qi"ente P. 5'((e"er !residin&, rendered its de"ision orderin& t#e "orre"tion o* t#e -irt# "erti*i"ate o* t#e +inor )a"o- C#'a - "#an&in& #is nationa(it *ro+ C#inese to 8i(i!ino. ISSUE:

Can an a(ien nationa( -e"o+e a 8i(i!ino "iti9en - virt'e o* a !etition *or "orre"tion o* entr in t#e "erti*i"ate o* -irt#= HELD:

No. T#e (oer "o'rt is a!!arent( o-(ivio's o* a $% de"ision, t#e o!inion -ein& !enned - t#e t#en C#ie* )'sti"e 5en&9on a-o't ten +ont#s -e*ore in Rees v. Re!'-(i", #erein t#is Co'rt reiterated t#at do"trine t#at a "#an&e o* Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 60


"iti9ens#i! "annot e**e"ted - a +ere "orre"tion o* an entr in t#e Civi( Re&istr -e"a'se in e**e"t, it re7'ests t#e 2'di"ia( de"(aration o* P#i(i!!ine "iti9ens#i!. We #ave "(ear( stated ti+e and a&ain, t#at de"(arator re(ie* is not avai(a-(e *or t#e !'r!ose o* o-tainin& a 2'di"ia( de"(aration o* "iti9ens#i!.



G.R. No. L/+'-((

F!*ru#r '-, 19

REPU5LIC O8 THE PHILIPPINES, !etitioner, vs. HON. 8ELICIANO 5ELONTE, )'d&e o* t#e Co'rt o* 8irst Instan"e o* 5a&'io and 5en&'et and ANITA PO a(ias QERONICA PAO, assisted - #er +ot#er HELEN POA, res!ondents. FACTS:

T#e re"ord o* t#e "ase dis"(oses t#at on A'&'st 3, $%, t#e #erein !rivate res!ondent Anita Po a(ias Qeroni"a Pao, a resident o* 5a&'io Cit, *i(ed it# t#e t#en Co'rt o* 8irst Instan"e o* 5a&'io and 5en&'et a Petition *or t#e "#an&e ot#er na+e *ro+ Anita Po to Qeroni"a Pao. 8or t#is !'r!ose, s#e a(so so'&#t "o'rt !er+ission to #ave #er -irt# re"ords "orre"ted in t#at #er *at#erJs na+e a!!earin& as PO U -e "orre"ted to PAO U and #er +ot#erJs na+e re"orded as PAKIAT CHAN -e "#an&ed to HELEN CHAN. At t#e ti+e t#e (iti&ation as "o++en"ed, t#e !etitioner as a $6ear o(d +inor. T#'s, s#e as assisted in t#e "ase - #er +ot#er. T#e s'it as do"/eted as S!e"ia( Pro"eedin& Case No. 3. T#e !etitioner a((e&ed -e*ore t#e tria( "o'rt t#at t#e +aiden na+e o* #er +ot#er is He(en C#an and t#at t#e &iven na+e Pa/iat ritten on #er -irt# "erti*i"ate is a"t'a(( t#e &iven na+e o* #er +aterna( &rand+ot#er. T#e !etitioner a(so asserted t#at t#e na+e o* #er *at#er is Pao ' and not Po ' as erroneo's( ritten in #er -irt# "erti*i"ate and as s'"# #er rea( s'rna+e is Pao. S#e assi&ns t#ese a((e&ed errors to t#e "o++on +is'nderstandin& o* C#inese na+es. T#e !etitioner a(so averred t#at s#e #ad -een -a!ti9ed - a Cat#o(i" !riest and t#at s#e as "#ristened as Qeroni"a Pao, t#e *irst -ein& #er C#ristian &iven na+e and t#e (atter -ein& t#e "orre"t s!e((in& o* #er s'rna+e: t#at sin"e #er "#i(d#ood '! to t#e !resent, s#e #ad a(as -een /non and re*erred to as Qeroni"a Pao and not Anita Po. In a De"ision dated )'( 3, $%%, t#e tria( "o'rt, it# res!ondent )'d&e 8e(i"iano 5e(+onte !residin& t#erein, r'(ed in *avor o* t#e !etitioner. T#e !etitioner as a((oed to "#an&e #er na+e *ro+ Anita Po to Qeroni"a Pao. T#e "o'rt a(so a((oed t#e "orre"tion o* t#e na+es o* #er !arents as !raed *or in t#e Petition in t#e re&istr o* -irt#. T#e Lo"a( Civi( Re&istrar o* La Trinidad 5en&'et as ordered to i+!(e+ent t#e "orres!ondin& "orre"tions. On -e#a(* o* t#e Re!'-(i" o* t#e P#i(i!!ines, t#e O**i"e o* t#e So(i"itor Genera( e(evated t#e "ase to t#is Co'rt - a o* t#e instant Petition. ISSUES:



Can a !etition *or a "#an&e o* na+e and t#e "orre"tion o* "ertain entries in t#e "ivi( re&istr -e 2oined in t#e sa+e !ro"eedin&= HELD:

No. An e;a+ination o* !etitioner

!etitioner Anita Po and #er !arents Po ' and Pa/iat C#an stand as t#e ere -e*ore s'"# De"ision.



G.R. No. L/'1'9

)cto*!r 4, 1971

O A LI AO a(ias EDIL5ERTO AGUINALDO LI and LAU UEN EUNG, !etitioners6a!!e((ants, vs. THE COISSIONER O8 IIGRATION, res!ondent6a!!e((ee. FACTS:

La' 'en e'n& a!!(ied *or a !ass!ort visa to enter t#e P#i(i!!ines as a non6i++i&rant on  8e-r'ar $%$. In t#e interro&ation +ade in "onne"tion it# #er a!!(i"ation *or a te+!orar visitorJs visa to enter t#e P#i(i!!ines, s#e stated t#at s#e as a C#inese residin& at Ko(oon, Hon&/on&, and t#at s#e desired to ta/e a !(eas're tri! to t#e P#i(i!!ines to visit #er &reat &rand 'n"(e, La' C#in& Pin&. S#e as !er+itted to "o+e into t#e P#i(i!!ines on $@ ar"# $%$ *or a !eriod o* one +ont#. On t#e date o* #er arriva(, As#er . C#en& *i(ed a -ond in t#e a+o'nt o* P$,444.44 to 'nderta/e, a+on& ot#ers, t#at said La' 'en e'n& o'(d a"t'a(( de!art *ro+ t#e P#i(i!!ines on or -e*ore t#e e;!iration o* #er a't#ori9ed !eriod o* sta in t#is "o'ntr or it#in t#e !eriod as in #is dis"retion t#e Co++issioner o* I++i&ration or #is a't#ori9ed re!resentative +i&#t !ro!er( a((o. A*ter re!eated e;tensions, La' 'en e'n& as a((oed to sta in t#e P#i(i!!ines '! to $@ 8e-r'ar $%3. On 3B )an'ar $%3, s#e "ontra"ted +arria&e it# o a Li+ ao a(ias Edi(-erto A&'ina(do Li+ an a((e&ed 8i(i!ino "iti9en. 5e"a'se o* t#e "onte+!(ated a"tion o* t#e Co++issioner o* I++i&ration to "on*is"ate #er -ond and order #er arrest and i++ediate de!ortation, a*ter t#e e;!iration o* #er a't#ori9ed sta, s#e -ro'&#t an a"tion *or in2'n"tion. At t#e #earin& #i"# too/ !(a"e one and a #a(* ears a*ter #er arriva(, it as ad+itted t#at La' 'en e'n& "o'(d not rite and s!ea/ eit#er En&(is# or Ta&a(o&, e;"e!t *or a *e ords. S#e "o'(d not na+e an 8i(i!ino nei&#-or, it# a 8i(i!ino na+e e;"e!t one, Rosa. S#e did not /no t#e na+es o* #er -rot#ers6in6(a, or sisters6 in6(a. As a res'(t, t#e Co'rt o* 8irst Instan"e o* ani(a denied t#e !raer *or !re(i+inar in2'n"tion. oa Li+ ao and La' 'en e'n& a!!ea(ed. ISSUE:

S#o'(d La' 'en e'n& - i!so *a"to -e 8i(i!ino "iti9en '!on #er +arria&e to a 8i(i!ino "iti9en= HELD:

es.



An a(ien o+an, '!on #er +arria&e to a 8i(i!ino "iti9en, -e"o+es (a*'(( nat'ra(i9ed i!so *a"to, !rovided t#at s#e does not !ossess a(( o* t#e dis7'a(i*i"ations en'+erated in CA @. 0Se"tions $B and 1 Under Se"tion $B o* Co++onea(t# A"t @, an a(ien o+an +arrin& a 8i(i!ino, native -orn or nat'ra(i9ed, -e"o+es i!so *a"to a 8i(i!ina !rovided s#e is not dis7'a(i*ied to -e a "iti9en o* t#e P#i(i!!ines 'nder Se"tion  o* t#e sa+e (a. Li/eise, an a(ien o+an +arried to an a(ien #o is s'-se7'ent( nat'ra(i9ed #ere *o((os t#e P#i(i!!ine "iti9ens#i! o* #er #'s-and t#e +o+ent #e ta/es #is oat# as 8i(i!ino "iti9en, !rovided t#at s#e does not s'**er *ro+ an o* t#e dis7'a(i*i"ations 'nder said Se"tion . W#et#er t#e a(ien o+an re7'ires to 'nder&o t#e nat'ra(i9ation !ro"eedin&s, Se"tion $B is a !ara((e( !rovision to Se"tion $. T#'s, i* t#e ido o* an a!!(i"ant *or nat'ra(i9ation as 8i(i!ino, #o dies d'rin& t#e !ro"eedin&s, is not re7'ired to &o t#ro'&# a nat'ra(i9ation !ro"eedin&s, in order to -e "onsidered as a 8i(i!ino "iti9en #ereo*, it s#o'(d *o((o t#at t#e i*e o* a (ivin& 8i(i!ino "annot -e denied t#e sa+e !rivi(e&e. T#is is !(ain "o++on sense and t#ere is a-so('te( no eviden"e t#at t#e Le&is(at're intended to treat t#e+ di**erent(. As t#e (as o* o'r "o'ntr, -ot# s'-stantive and !ro"ed'ra(, stand toda, t#ere is no s'"# !ro"ed're 0a s'-stit'te *or nat'ra(i9ation !ro"eedin& to ena-(e t#e a(ien i*e o* a P#i(i!!ine "iti9en to #ave t#e +atter o* #er on "iti9ens#i! sett(ed and esta-(is#ed so t#at s#e +a not #ave to -e "a((ed '!on to !rove it everti+e s#e #as to !er*or+ an a"t or enter into a transa"tion or -'siness or e;er"ise a ri&#t reserved on( to 8i(i!inos1, -'t s'"# is no !roo* t#at t#e "iti9ens#i! is not vested as o* t#e date o* +arria&e or t#e #'s-andJs a"7'isition o* "iti9ens#i!, as t#e "ase +a -e, *or t#e tr't# is t#at t#e sit'ation o-tains even as to native6-orn 8i(i!inos. Everti+e t#e "iti9ens#i! o* a !erson is +ateria( or indis!ensa-(e in a 2'di"ia( or ad+inistrative "ase. W#atever t#e "orres!ondin& "o'rt or ad+inistrative a't#orit de"ides t#erein as to s'"# "iti9ens#i! is &enera(( not "onsidered as res ad2'di"ata, #en"e it #as to -e t#res#ed o't a&ain and a&ain as t#e o""asion +a de+and. La' 'en e'n&, as de"(ared to #ave -e"o+e a 8i(i!ino "iti9en *ro+ and - virt'e o* #er +arria&e to o a Li+ ao a( as Edi(-erto A&'ina(do Li+, a 8i(i!ino "iti9en o* 3B )an'ar $%3.



G.R. No. 99+3

J#nu#r +(, 1993

D)UANTAN, !etitioner, vs. HON. ANDREA D. DOINGO, COISSIONER O8 THE 5OARD O8 IIGRATION, HON. REGINO R. SANTIAGO and HON. )ORGE Q. SARIENTO, COISSIONERS 5UREAU O8 IIGRATION AND DEPORTATION, res!ondents. FACTS:

5ernard 5ane9, #'s-and o* arina Ca-ae(, ent to Indonesia as a "ontra"t or/er. He t#en e+-ra"ed and as "onverted to Is(a+. He t#en, +arried !etitioner in a""ordan"e it# Is(a+i" rites. 5ane9 t#en ret'rned to t#e P#i(i!!ines. Petitioner and #er to "#i(dren it# 5ane9 0arina and Ni/'(as1 arrived in ani(a as t#e &'ests o* 5ane9. T#e (atter +ade it a!!ear t#at #e as 2'st a *riend o* t#e *a+i( o* !etitioner and as +ere( re!ain& t#e #os!ita-i(it e;tended to #i+ d'rin& #is sta in Indonesia. 5ane9 e;e"'ted an A**idavit o* G'arant and S'!!ort, *or #is &'ests. As &'ests, !etitioner and #er to "#i(dren (ived in t#e #o'se o* 5ane9. Petitioner and #er "#i(dren ere ad+itted to t#e P#i(i!!ines as te+!orar visitors. arina Ca-ae( dis"overed t#e tr'e re(ations#i! o* #er #'s-and and !etitioner. S#e *i(ed a "o+!(aint *or "on"'-ina&e, #oever, s'-se7'ent( dis+issed *or (a"/ o* +erit. I++i&ration stat's o* !etitioner as "#an&ed *ro+ te+!orar visitor to t#at o* !er+anent resident. Petitioner as iss'ed an a(ien "erti*i"ate o* re&istration. 5ane9< e(dest son, Leonardo, *i(ed a (etter "o+!(aint s'-se7'ent( re*erred to Co++issioners 5'rea' o* I++i&ration and De!ortation 0CID1. Petitioner as detained at t#e CID detention "e((. Petitioner +oved *or t#e dis+issa( o* t#e de!ortation "ase on t#e &ro'nd t#at s#e as va(id( +arried to a 8i(i!ino "iti9en. CID dis!osed t#at t#e se"ond +arria&e o* 5ernardo 5anes to res!ondent D2'+antan irre&'(ar and not in a""ordan"e it# t#e (as o* t#e P#i(i!!ines. T#e revo/ed t#e visa !revio's( &ranted to #er. On Se!te+-er 34, $%%, Leonardo C. 5ane9 +ani*ested t#at #is *at#er died on A'&'st $, $%% and t#at #e and #is +ot#er ere it#drain& t#eir o-2e"tion to t#e &rantin& o* a !er+anent resident visa to !etitioner. 8'rt#er, !etitioner "(ai+s t#at #er +arria&e to 5ane9 as va(id 'nder t#e 's(i+ Code, #i"# re"o&ni9es t#e !ra"ti"e o* !o(andr - 's(i+ +a(es. ISSUE:

W#et#er or not t#e D2'+antan
We need not reso(ve t#e va(idit o* !etitionerJs +arria&e to 5ane9, i* 'nder t#e (a t#e CID "an va(id( de!ort !etitioner as an 'ndesira-(e a(ien re&ard(ess o* #er +arria&e to a 8i(i!ino "iti9en. T#ere as a o-vio's a-'se o* o'r Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 67


i++i&ration (as in e**e"tin& !etitionerJs entr into t#e "o'ntr and t#e "#an&e o* #er i++i&ration stat's *ro+ te+!orar visitor to !er+anent resident. A(( s'"# !rivi(e&es ere o-tained t#ro'&# +isinter!retation, sin"e never did t#e !etitioner dis"(ose #is +arria&e to 5ane9 to t#e i++i&ration a't#orities. Had t#e /non, i++i&ration a't#orities o'(d -e (ess in"(ined to a((o t#e entr o* a o+an #o "(ai+s to #ave entered into a +arria&e it# a 8i(i!ino "iti9en, #o is +arried to anot#er o+an.

Genera((, t#e ri&#t o* t#e President to e;!e( or de!ort a(iens #ose !resen"e is dee+ed ini+i"a( to t#e !'-(i" interest is as a-so('te and 'n7'a(i*ied as t#e ri&#t to !ro#i-it and !revent t#eir entr into t#e "o'ntr, t#eir ad+ission into t#e territor is a +atter o* !'re !er+ission and si+!(e to(eran"e #i"# "reates no o-(i&ation on t#e !art o* t#e &overn+ent to !er+it t#e+ to sta. 8'rt#er, t#ere is no (a &'aranteein& a(iens +arried to 8i(i!ino "iti9ens t#e ri&#t to -e ad+itted, +'"# (ess to -e &iven !er+anent residen", in t#e P#i(i!!ines.

T#e *a"t o* +arria&e - an a(ien to a "iti9en does not it#dra #er *ro+ t#e o!eration o* t#e i++i&ration (as &overnin& t#e ad+ission and e;"('sion o* a(iens. A(so, +arria&e o* an a(ien o+an to a 8i(i!ino #'s-and does not ipso facto +a/e #er a 8i(i!ino "iti9en and does not e;"'se #er *ro+ #er *ai('re to de!art *ro+ t#e "o'ntr '!on t#e e;!iration o* #er e;tended sta #ere as an a(ien.



G.R. No. L/++'1-

Jun! ', 19+

IN THE ATTER O8 THE PETITION O8 TAN CHING TO 5E ADITTED A CITIZEN O8 THE PHILIPPINES> TAN CHING, !etitioner6a!!e((ee, vs. REPU5LIC O8 THE PHILIPPINES, o!!ositor6 a!!e((ant. FACT:

Tan C#in&, a C#inese nationa(, *i(ed a !etition *or nat'ra(i9ation on Se!te+-er , $%B%it# t#e no de*'n"t Co'rt o* 8irst Instan"e o* 'e9on. T#e !etition as do"/eted as Nat'ra(i9ation Case No. 6G. Hearin&s on t#e !etition ere #e(d #erein an assistant !rovin"ia( *is"a( re!resented t#e So(i"itor Genera(. In a de"ision dated De"e+-er 34, $%4, t#e "o'rt rendered t#e *o((oin& 2'd&+ent #avin& "o+!(ied it# a(( t#e re7'ire+ents o* t#e nat'ra(i9ation (a o* t#e P#i(i!!ines and !ossessin& a(( t#e 7'a(i*i"ations and none o* t#e dis7'a(i*i"ations !res"ri-ed in t#e (a, is #ere- ADITTED to P#i(i!!ine "iti9ens#i! as a nat'ra(i9ed 8i(i!ino, s'-2e"t to t#e "onditions !res"ri-ed in Re!'-(i" A"t No. B@4, t#at #is de"ision s#a(( not -e"o+e *ina( and e**e"tive 'nti( a*ter t#e (a!se o* to ears *ro+ t#e date o* t#e !ro+'(&ation o* t#is de"ision and a*ter t#e Co'rt s#a(( #ave +ade t#e *indin&s in t#at #earin&, it# t#e attendan"e o* t#e So(i"itor Genera( or #is re!resentative, t#at d'rin& t#e intervenin& !eriod o* to ears, t#e a!!(i"ant TAN CHING 0$1 #as not (e*t t#e P#i(i!!ines, 031 #as "ontin'o's( dedi"ated #i+se(* to a (a*'( "a((in& or !ro*ession as *o'nd in t#is de"ision, 0@1 #as not -een "onvi"ted o* an o**ense or vio(ation o* &overn+ent !ro+'(&ated r'(es, 01 or "o++itted an a"t !re2'di"ia( to t#e interest o* t#e nation or "ontrar to an &overn+ent anno'n"ed !o(i"ies. He s#a(( *'rt#er sever *orever a(( #is a**i(iations it# an and a(( asso"iations and or&ani9ations #i"# are e;"('sive to C#inese "iti9ens in t#e P#i(i!!ines or e(se#ere. On )'ne @, $%4, Tan C#in& *i(ed a veri*ied OTION TO DECLARE PETITIONER UALI8IED TO TAKE OATH O8 ALLEGIANCE. T#e otion as o!!osed - t#e So(i"itor Genera( on t#e &ro'nd t#at it as *i(ed on( in )'ne $%4 or +ore t#an nine 0%1 ears *ro+ t#e rendition o* t#e de"ision in De"e+-er 34, $%4 &rantin& t#e !etition *or nat'ra(i9ation and it is not s#on t#at t#e de(a as e;"'sa-(e, !etitioner is dee+ed to #ave a-andoned #is !etition. On A'&'st 3, $%4, t#e Co'rt iss'ed an Order #i"# reads as *o((os> T#e de"ision in t#is "ase dated De"e+-er 34, $%4, ad+ittin& !etitioner Tan C#in& to P#i(i!!ine "iti9ens#i! as a nat'ra(i9ed 8i(i!ino as !ro+'(&ated on )an'ar , $%$. Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 69


On )'ne %, $%4, !etitioner *i(ed a !(eadin& st(ed OTION TO DECLARE PETITIONER UALI8IED TO TAKE OATH O8 ALLEGIANCE. To t#is +otion t#e So(i"itor Genera( *i(ed an o!!osition dated )'( @$, $%4, on t#e &ro'nd t#at as +ore t#an nine ears #ave e(a!sed *ro+ t#e date t#e de"ision as rendered and it #as not -een s#on t#at t#e de(a is e;"'sa-(e, !etitioner is dee+ed to #ave a-andoned #is !etition. T#e Co'rt 8indin& t#at !etitioner Tan C#in& #as "o+!(ied it# a(( t#e re7'ire+ents !rovided *or in Re!'-(i" A"t No. B@4, t#e Co'rt #ere- "on*ir+s t#e de"ision in t#is "ase dated De"e+-er 34, $%4 and !ro+'(&ated on )an'ar , $%$ and orders its re&istration in t#e "ivi( re&istr o* Catana'an, 'e9on. A*ter !etitioner s#a(( #ave ta/en #is oat# o* a((e&ian"e in t#e *or+ and s'-stan"e !res"ri-ed - (a, (et t#e "orres!ondin& "erti*i"ate i* nat'ra(i9ation -e iss'ed to #i+, a*ter #i"# (et #i+ -e 'nder t#e d'ties and en2o and -e entit(ed to a(( t#e ri&#ts and !rivi(e&es o* a 8i(i!ino "iti9en. On Se!te+-er , $%4, t#e Re!'-(i" o* t#e P#i(i!!ines *i(ed a Noti"e o* A!!ea( to t#e S'!re+e Co'rt t#e order rendered - t#is Co'rt dated A'&'st 3, $%4, a((oin& t#e !etitioner to ta/e #is oat# o* a((e&ian"e on t#e &ro'nd t#at it is 'ns'!!orted - (a and t#e eviden"e. ISSUE:

W#et#er or not t#e (oer "o'rt erred in a((oin& t#e !etitioner to ta/e t#e oat# o* a((e&ian"e as a 8i(i!ino "iti9en des!ite t#e *a"t t#at #e #as not "o+!(ied it# a(( t#e re7'ire+ents !rovided *or in Re!'-(i" A"t No. B@4 and does not !ossess a(( t#e 7'a(i*i"ations re7'ired - (a *or ad+ission to P#i(i!!ine "iti9ens#i!= HELD:

It is no e((6sett(ed t#at a !etition *or nat'ra(i9ation is o* a s!e"ia( nat're ne"essari( invo(vin& !'-(i" interest. A""ordin&(, in "ase o* a!!ea(, t#e entire re"ord o* t#e "ase is o!ened *or s"r'tin #et#er an o-2e"tion #as -een s'-+itted in t#e (oer "o'rt or not. As a +atter o* *a"t, it +a not on( inter!ose an a!!ea( *ro+ t#e de"ision &rantin& t#e !etition, -'t t#e State is not even !re"('ded *ro+ o-2e"tin& to !etitionerJs 7'a(i*i"ation d'rin& t#e #earin& o* t#e (atterJs !etition to ta/e t#e oat#. 0C#en& vs. Re!'-(i" o* t#e P#i(i!!ines, $3$ P#i(. $B1 R.A. No. B@4 0$%B41 !rovides in Se"tion $ t#at no de"ision &rantin& an a!!(i"ation *or P#i(i!!ine "iti9ens#i! s#a(( -e"o+e e;e"'tor 'nti( a*ter to ears *ro+ its !ro+'(&ation and a*ter t#e "o'rt, on !ro!er #earin&, it# t#e attendan"e o* t#e So(i"itor Genera( or #is re!resentative, is satis*ied, and so *inds, t#at d'rin& t#e intervenin& ti+e t#e a!!(i"ant #as 0$1 not (e*t t#e P#i(i!!ines, 031 #as dedi"ated #i+se(* "ontin'o's( to a (a*'( "a((in& or !ro*ession, 0@1 #as not -een "onvi"ted o* an o**ense or vio(ation o* Govern+ent !ro+'(&ated r'(es, 01 or "o++itted an a"t !re2'di"ia( to t#e interest o* t#e nation or "ontrar to an &overn+ent anno'n"ed !o(i"ies. Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 70


8indin& no +erit in t#e a!!ea(, t#e sa+e as dis+issed.



G.R. No. 11997-

S!5t!&*!r 1, 1993

IELDA ROUALDEZ6ARCOS, !etitioner, vs. COISSION ON ELECTIONS and CIRILO RO ONTE)O, res!ondents. FACTS:

On ar"# , $%%B, Petitioner I+e(da Ro+'a(de96ar"os *i(ed #er Certi*i"ate o* Candida" 0COC1 *or t#e !osition o* Re!resentative o* t#e 8irst Distri"t o* Lete it# t#e Provin"ia( E(e"tion S'!ervisor, statin& t#at s#e is 6 +ont#s resident in t#e said distri"t. On ar"# 3@, $%%B, !rivate res!ondent Ciri(o Ro onte2o, in"'+-ent Re!resentative and a "andidate *or t#e sa+e !osition, *i(ed a Petition *or Can"e((ation and Dis7'a(i*i"ation it# t#e Co++ission on E(e"tions 0COELEC1, a((e&in& t#at I+e(da did not +eet t#e "onstit'tiona( one6 ear residen" re7'ire+ent. I+e(da t#'s a+ended #er COC, "#an&in& seven +ont#s to sin"e "#i(d#ood. T#e !rovin"ia( e(e"tion s'!ervisor re*'sed to ad+it t#e a+ended COC *or t#e reason t#at it as *i(ed o't o* ti+e. I+e(da, t#'s, *i(ed #er a+ended COC it# COELECJs #ead o**i"e in ani(a. On A!ri( 3, $%%B, t#e COELEC Se"ond Division de"(ared I+e(da not 7'a(i*ied to r'n and str'"/ o** t#e a+ended and t#e ori&ina( COCs. T#e COELEC in division *o'nd t#at #en I+e(da "#ose to sta in I(o"os and (ater on in ani(a, "o'!(ed it# #er intention to sta t#ere - re&isterin& as a voter t#ere and e;!ress( de"(arin& t#at s#e is a resident o* t#at !(a"e, s#e is dee+ed to #ave a-andoned Ta"(o-an Cit, #ere s#e s!ent #er "#i(d#ood and s"#oo( das, as #er !(a"e o* do+i"i(e. T#e COELEC en -an" a**ir+ed t#is r'(in&. D'rin& t#e !enden" o* t#e dis7'a(i*i"ation "ase, I+e(da on in t#e e(e"tion. 5't t#e COELEC s's!ended #er !ro"(a+ation. I+e(da t#'s a!!ea(ed to t#e S'!re+e Co'rt. I+e(da invo/ed Se"tion  o* 5.P. $ #i"# !rovides t#at a !etition see/in& to den d'e "o'rse or to "an"e( a "erti*i"ate o* "andida" +'st -e de"ided, a*ter d'e noti"e and #earin&, not (ater t#an $B das -e*ore t#e e(e"tion. Sin"e t#e COELEC rendered t#e reso('tion on A!ri( 3, $%%B, *o'rteen 0$1 das -e*ore t#e e(e"tion, COELEC a(read (ose 2'risdi"tion over #er "ase. S#e "ontended t#at it is t#e Ho'se o* Re!resentatives E(e"tora( Tri-'na( and not t#e COELEC #i"# #as 2'risdi"tion over t#e e(e"tion o* +e+-ers o* t#e Ho'se o* Re!resentatives. ISSUE:

W#et#er or not !etitioner as a resident, *or e(e"tion !'r!oses, o* t#e 8irst Distri"t o* Lete *or a !eriod o* one ear at t#e ti+e o* t#e a %, $%%B e(e"tions. HELD:

8or !'r!oses o* e(e"tion (as, residen"e is snon+o's it# do+i"i(e. Hen"e, !etitioner as a resident o* t#e 8irst Distri"t o* Lete and t#ere*ore Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 72


!ossessed t#e ne"essar residen"e 7'a(i*i"ations to r'n in Lete as a "andidate *or a seat in t#e Ho'se o* Re!resentatives *or t#e *o((oin& reasons>

•

•

inor *o((os t#e do+i"i(e o* #is !arents. As do+i"i(e, on"e a"7'ired is retained 'nti( a ne one is &ained, it *o((os t#at in s!ite o* t#e *a"t o* !etitionerJs -ein& -orn in ani(a, Ta"(o-an, Lete as #er do+i"i(e o* ori&in - o!eration o* (a. T#is do+i"i(e as esta-(is#ed #en #er *at#er -ro'&#t #is *a+i( -a"/ to Lete. Do+i"i(e o* ori&in is not easi( (ost. To s'""ess*'(( e**e"t a "#an&e o* do+i"i(e, one +'st de+onstrate> $.1 An a"t'a( re+ova( or an a"t'a( "#an&e o* do+i"i(e: 3.1 A -ona *ide intention o* a-andonin& t#e *or+er !(a"e o* residen"e and esta-(is#in& a ne one: and @.1 A"ts #i"# "orres!ond it# t#e !'r!ose.

In t#e a-sen"e o* "(ear and !ositive !roo* -ased on t#ese "riteria, t#e residen"e o* ori&in s#o'(d -e dee+ed to "ontin'e. On( it# eviden"e s#oin& "on"'rren"e o* a(( t#ree re7'ire+ents "an t#e !res'+!tion o* "ontin'it or residen"e -e re-'tted, *or a "#an&e o* residen"e re7'ires an a"t'a( and de(i-erate a-andon+ent, and one "annot #ave to (e&a( residen"es at t#e sa+e ti+e. Petitioner #e(d vario's residen"es *or di**erent !'r!oses d'rin& t#e (ast *o'r de"ades. None o* t#ese !'r!oses 'ne7'ivo"a(( !oint to an intention to a-andon #er do+i"i(e o* ori&in in Ta"(o-an, Lete. It "annot -e "orre"t( ar&'ed t#at !etitioner (ost #er do+i"i(e o* ori&in - o!eration o* (a as a res'(t o* #er +arria&e to t#e (ate President 8erdinand E. ar"os in $%B3. A i*e does not a'to+ati"a(( &ain t#e #'s-and


G.R. No. 1'('-3

S!5t!&*!r 1, 1993

AGAPITO A. AUINO, !etitioner, vs. COISSION ON ELECTIONS, OQE AKATI, ATEO 5EDON and )UANITO ICARO, res!ondents. FACTS:

Petitioner A&a!ito A7'ino *i(ed #is "erti*i"ate o* "andida" *or t#e !osition o* Re!resentative *or t#e Se"ond Distri"t o* a/ati Cit. Private res!ondents ove a/ati, a d'( re&istered !o(iti"a( !art, and ateo 5edon,C#air+an o* LAKAS6NUCD6UDP o* 5r&. Ce+-o, a/ati Cit, *i(ed a !etition to dis7'a(i* !etitioner on t#e &ro'nd t#at t#e (atter (a"/ed t#e residen"e 7'a(i*i"ation as a "andidate *or "on&ress+an #i"#, 'nder Se". , Art. QI o* t#e Constit'tion, s#o'(d -e *or a !eriod not (ess t#an $ ear i++ediate( !re"edin& t#e e(e"tions. ISSUE:

Does t#e !etitioner (a"/ed t#e residen"e 7'a(i*i"ation as a "andidate *or "on&ress+an as +andated - Se". , Art.QI o* t#e Constit'tion= HELD:

In order t#at !etitioner "o'(d 7'a(i* as a "andidate *or Re!resentative o* t#e Se"ond Distri"t o* a/ati Cit, #e +'st !rove t#at #e #as esta-(is#ed not 2'st residen"e -'t do+i"i(e o* "#oi"e. Petitioner, in #is "erti*i"ate o* "andida" *or t#e $%%3 e(e"tions, indi"ated not on( t#at #e as a resident o* San )ose, Con"e!"ion, Tar(a" in $%%3 -'t t#at #e as a resident o* t#e sa+e *or B3 ears i++ediate( !re"edin& t#at e(e"tions. At t#at ti+e, #is "erti*i"ate indi"ated t#at #e as a(so a re&istered voter o* t#e sa+e distri"t. His -irt# "erti*i"ate !(a"es Con"e!"ion, Tar(a" as t#e -irt#!(a"e o* #is !arents. W#at stands "onsistent( "(ear and 'nassai(a-(e is t#at #is do+i"i(e o* ori&in o* re"ord '! to t#e ti+e o* *i(in& o* #is +ost re"ent "erti*i"ate o* "andida" *or t#e $%%B e(e"tions as Con"e!"ion, Tar(a". T#e intention not to esta-(is# a !er+anent #o+e in a/ati Cit is evident in #is (easin& a "ondo+ini'+ 'nit instead o* -'in& one. W#i(e a (ease "ontra"t +a-e indi"ative o* !etitioner

residen"e and esta-(is#in& a ne one and de*inite a"ts #i"# "orres!ond it# t#e !'r!ose. In t#e a-sen"e o* "(ear and !ositive !roo*, t#e do+i"i(e o* ori&in s#o'(d -e dee+ed to "ontin'e.



G.R. No. L/1'1(3

J#nu#r +(, 19-(

TESTATE ESTATE O8 C. O. 5OHANAN, de"eased. PHILIPPINE TRUST CO., e;e"'tor6a!!e((ee, vs. AGDALENA C. 5OHANAN, EDWARD C. 5OHANAN, and AR LDIA 5OHANAN, o!!ositors6a!!e((ants. FACTS:

T#e Co'rt o* 8irst Instan"e ad+itted to !ro-ate t#e (ast i(( and testa+ent o* C.O 5o#anan. T#e (oer "o'rt *inds, a""ordin& to t#e eviden"e o* t#e !ro!onents t#at t#e testator C.O. 5o#anan as at t#e ti+e o* #is deat# a "iti9en o* t#e United States and o* t#e State o* Nevada. It !rovides in #is (ast i(( and testa+ent t#at o't o* t#e tota( estate 0a*ter ded'"tin& t#e ad+inistration e;!enses1 o* P3$$, @%.@@ in "as#, t#e testator &ave #is &randson P%4, $%. and one6#a(* o* a(( s#ares o* sto"/ o* severa( +inin& "o+!anies and to #is -rot#er and sister t#e sa+e a+o'nt. To #is "#i(dren #e &ave a (e&a" o* on( P, 444 ea"#, or a tota( o* P$3, 444. X T#e i*e a&da(ena C. 5o#anan 7'estion t#e va(idit o* t#e testa+entar !rovisions dis!osin& o* t#e estate in t#e +anner a-ove indi"ated, "(ai+in& t#at t#e #ave -een de!rived o* t#e (e&iti+e t#at t#e (as o* t#e *or+ "on"ede to t#e+. T#e *irst 7'estion re*ers to t#e s#are t#at t#e i*e o* t#e testator, a&da(ena C. 5o#anan, s#o'(d -e entit(ed to re"eive. T#e i(( #as not &iven #er an s#are in t#e estate (e*t - t#e testator. T#e "o'rt -e(o re*'sed to re"o&ni9e t#e "(ai+ o* t#e ido on t#e &ro'nd t#at t#e (as o* Nevada, o* #i"# t#e de"eased as a "iti9en, a((o #i+ to dis!ose o* a(( o* #is !ro!erties it#o't re7'irin& #i+ to (eave an !ortion o* #is estate to #is i*e. ISSUE:

W#et#er or not t#e i*e o* t#e testator and #is "#i(dren are entit(ed to t#eir (e&iti+e= RULINGS:

As to #is i*e, t#e "o'rt -e(o #ad *o'nd t#at t#e testator and a&da(ena C. 5o#anan ere +arried on )an'ar @4, $%4%, and t#at divor"e as &ranted to #i+ on a 34, $%33: t#at so+eti+e in $%3B, a&da(ena C. 5o#anan +arried Car( Aaron and t#is +arria&e as s'-sistin& at t#e ti+e o* t#e deat# o* t#e testator. Sin"e no ri&#t to s#are in t#e in#eritan"e in *avor o* a divor"ed i*e e;ists in t#e State o* Nevada and sin"e t#e "o'rt -e(o #ad a(read *o'nd t#at t#ere as no "on2'&a( !ro!ert -eteen t#e testator and a&da(ena C. Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 76


5o#anan, t#e (atter "an no #ave no (on&er "(ai+ to !a !ortion o* t#e estate (e*t - t#e testator. T#e +ost i+!ortant iss'e is t#e "(ai+ o* t#e testatorJs "#i(dren, Edard and ar Ldia, #o #ad re"eived (e&a"ies in t#e a+o'nt o* P,444 ea"# on(, and, t#ere*ore, #ave not -een &iven t#eir s#ares in t#e estate #i"#, in a""ordan"e it# t#e (as o* t#e *or'+, s#o'(d -e to6t#irds o* t#e estate (e*t - t#e testator. T#e o(d Civi( Code, #i"# is a!!(i"a-(e to t#is "ase -e"a'se t#e testator died in $%, e;!ress( !rovides t#at s'""essiona( ri&#ts to !ersona( !ro!ert are to -e earned - t#e nationa( (a o* t#e !erson #ose s'""ession is in 7'estion. As in a""ordan"e it# Arti"(e $4 o* t#e o(d Civi( Code, t#e va(idit o* testa+entar dis!ositions are to -e &overned - t#e nationa( (a o* t#e testator, and as it #as -een de"ided and it is not dis!'ted t#at t#e nationa( (a o* t#e testator is t#at o* t#e State o* Nevada, a(read indi"ated a-ove, #i"# a((os a testator to dis!ose o* a(( #is !ro!ert a""ordin& to #is i((, as in t#e "ase at -ar, t#e order o* t#e "o'rt a!!rovin& t#e !ro2e"t o* !artition +ade in a""ordan"e it# t#e testa+entar !rovisions, +'st -e, as it is #ere- a**ir+ed, it# "osts a&ainst a!!e((ants.



G.R. No. L/1-749

J#nu#r +1, 19-+

IN THE ATTER O8 THE TESTATE ESTATE O8 EDWARD E. CHRISTENSEN, DECEASED. ADOL8O C. AZNAR, E;e"'tor and LUC CHRISTENSEN, Heir o* t#e de"eased, E;e"'tor and Heir6a!!e((ees, vs. HELEN CHRISTENSEN GARCIA, o!!ositor6a!!e((ant FACTS:

Edard E. C#ristensen, t#o'&# -orn in Ne or/, +i&rated to Ca(i*ornia, #ere #e resided and "onse7'ent( as "onsidered a Ca(i*ornia "iti9en. In $%$@, #e "a+e to t#e P#i(i!!ines #ere #e -e"a+e a do+i"i(iar 'nti( #is deat#. Hoever, d'rin& t#e entire !eriod o* #is residen"e in t#is "o'ntr #e #ad a(as "onsidered #i+se(* a "iti9en o* Ca(i*ornia. In #is i(( e;e"'ted on ar"# B, $%B$, #e instit'ted aria L'" C#ristensen as #is on( #eir, -'t (e*t a (e&a" o* s'+ o* +one in *avor o* He(en C#ristensen Gar"ia #o as rendered to #ave -een de"(ared a"/no(ed&ed nat'ra( da'&#ter. Co'nse( *or a!!e((ant "(ai+s t#at Ca(i*ornia (a s#o'(d -e a!!(ied: t#at 'nder Ca(i*ornia (a, t#e +atter is re*erred -a"/ to t#e (a o* t#e do+i"i(e: t#at t#ere*ore P#i(i!!ine (a is '(ti+ate( a!!(i"a-(e: t#at *ina((, t#e s#are o* He(en +'st -e in"reased in vie o* t#e s'""essiona( ri&#ts o* i((e&iti+ate "#i(dren 'nder P#i(i!!ine (a. On t#e ot#er #and, "o'nse( *or t#e #eir o* C#ristensen "ontends t#at inas+'"# as it is "(ear t#at 'nder Arti"(e $ o* o'r Civi( Code, t#e nationa( (a o* t#e de"eased +'st a!!(, o'r "o'rts +'st i++ediate( a!!( t#e interna( (a o* Ca(i*ornia on t#e +atter: t#at 'nder Ca(i*ornia (a t#ere are no "o+!'(sor #eirs and "onse7'ent( a testator "o'(d dis!ose o* an !ro!ert !ossessed - #i+ in a-so('te do+inion and t#at *ina((, i((e&iti+ate "#i(dren not -ein& entit(ed to ant#in& and #is i(( re+ain 'ndist'r-ed. ISSUE:

W#et#er or not t#e P#i(i!!ine (a s#o'(d !revai( in ad+inisterin& t#e estate o* C#ristensen= HELD:

T#e "o'rt in de"idin& to &rant +ore s'""essiona( ri&#ts to He(en said in e**e"t t#at t#ere are to r'(es in Ca(i*ornia on t#e +atter> t#e interna( (a #i"# s#o'(d a!!( to Ca(i*ornians do+i"i(ed in Ca(i*ornia: and t#e "on*(i"t r'(e #i"# s#o'(d a!!( to Ca(i*ornians do+i"i(ed o'tside o* Ca(i*ornia. T#e Ca(i*ornia "on*(i"t r'(e sas> I* t#ere is no (a to t#e "ontrar in t#e !(a"e #ere !ersona( !ro!ert is sit'ated, is dee+ed to *o((o t#e !erson o* its oner and is &overned



- t#e (a o* #is do+i"i(e. C#ristensen -ein& do+i"i(ed o'tside Ca(i*ornia, t#e (a o* #is do+i"i(e, t#e P#i(i!!ines, o'&#t to -e *o((oed. G.R. No. L/+3-94

D!c!&*!r '+, 19++

ALLISON G. GI55S, !etitioner6a!!e((ee, vs. THE GOQERNENT O8 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS, o!!ositor6a!!e((ant. THE REGISTER O8 DEEDS O8 THE CIT O8 ANILA, res!ondent6a!!e((ant. FACTS:

A((ison D. Gi--s and #is i*e Eva )o#nson Gi--s are -ot# "iti9ens o* Ca(i*ornia and do+i"i(ed t#erein sin"e t#eir +arria&e in )'( $%4. T#ere as no ante6n'!tia( +arria&e "ontra"t -eteen t#e !arties and d'rin& t#e e;isten"e o* t#eir +arria&e t#e s!o'ses a"7'ired (ands in t#e P#i(i!!ine Is(ands, as "on2'&a( !ro!ert. On Nove+-er 3, $%3%, rs. Gi--s died intestate in Pa(o, A(to Ca(i*ornia and t#at in a""ordan"e it# t#e (a o* Ca(i*ornia, t#e "o++'nit !ro!ert o* s!o'ses #o are "iti9ens o* Ca(i*ornia, '!on t#e deat# o* t#e i*e !revio's to t#at o* t#e #'s-and -e(on&s a-so('te( to t#e s'rvivin& #'s-and it#o't ad+inistration. In an intestate !ro"eedin&, t#e Co'rt o* 8irst Instan"e o* ani(aon Se!te+-er 33, $%@4, entered a de"ree ad2'di"atin& t#e said A((ison D. Gi--s to -e t#e so(e and a-so('te oner o* said (ands, a!!(in& se"tion $4$ o* t#e Civi( Code o* Ca(i*ornia. Gi--s !resented t#is de"ree to t#e Re&ister o* Deeds o* ani(a and de+anded t#at t#e (atter iss'e to #i+ a trans*er "erti*i"ate o* tit(e. T#e Re&ister o* Deeds o* ani(a de"(ined to a"" e!t as -indin& said de"ree o* "o'rt and re*'sed to re&ister t#e trans*er o* tit(e o* t#e said "on2'&a( !ro!ert to A((ison D. Gi--s, on t#e &ro'nd t#at t#e "orres!ondin& in#eritan"e ta; #ad not -een !aid !'rs'ant to Arti"(e I o* C#a!ter 4 o* t#e Ad+inistrative Code entit(ed> Ta; on in#eritan"es, (e&a"ies and ot#er a"7'isitions mortis causa !rovides in se"tion $B@ t#at Ever trans+ission - virt'e o* in#eritan"e ... o* rea( !ro!ert ... s#a(( -e s'-2e"t to t#e *o((oin& ta;.. T#ere'!on, A((ison *i(ed in t#e said "o'rt a !etition *or an order re7'irin& t#e said re&ister o* deeds to iss'e t#e "orres!ondin& tit(es to t#e !etiti one r it# o't re7 'ir in& !revi o's !a+ent o* an in#eritan"e ta;. T#e "o'rt rea**ir+ed t#e order o* Se!te+-er 33, $%@4 and entered t#e order o* ar"# $4, $%@$, #i"# is 'nder revie on t#is a!!ea(. ISSUE:

W#et#er or not Eva )o#nson Gi--s at t#e ti+e o* #er deat# is t#e oner o* a des"endi-(e interest in t#e P#i(i!!ine (ands= RULING:

es. T#e se"ond !ara&ra!# o* Arti"(e $4 o* t#e Civi( Code !rovides> Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 79


Nevert#e(ess, (e&a( and testa+entar s'""essions, in res!e"t to t#e order o* s'""ession as e(( as to t#e a+o'nt o* t#e s'""essiona( ri&#ts and t#e intrinsi" va(idit o* t#eir !rovisions, s#a(( -e re&'(ated - t#e nationa( (a o* t#e !erson #ose s'""ession is in 7'estion, #atever +a -e t#e nat're o* t#e !ro!ert or t#e "o'ntr in #i"# it +a -e sit'ated.

T#e se"ond !ara&ra!# o* arti"(e $4 "an -e invo/ed on( #en t#e de"eased as vested it# a des"endi-(e interest in !ro!ert it#in t#e 2'risdi"tion o* t#e P#i(i!!ine Is(ands. In t#e "ase o* C(ar/e vs. C(ar/e 0$ U. S., $, $%$:  La ed., $43, $4@$1, t#e "o'rt said> It is !rin"i!(e *ir+( esta-(is#ed t#at to t#e (a o* t#e state in #i"# t#e (and is sit'ated e +'st (oo/ *or t#e r'(es #i"# &overn its des"ent, a(ienation, and trans*er, and *or t#e e**e"t and "onstr'"tion o* i((s and ot#er "onvean"es. T#is *'nda+enta( !rin"i!(e is stated in t#e *irst !ara&ra!# o* arti"(e $4 o* o'r Civi( Code as *o((os> Persona( !ro!ert is s'-2e"t to t#e (as o* t#e nation o* t#e oner t#ereo*: rea( !ro!ert to t#e (as o* t#e "o'ntr in #i"# it is sit'ated. In a""ord it# t#e r'(e t#at r!#0 5ro5!rt is su*=!ct to t! lex rei sitae, t#e res!e"tive ri&#ts o* #'s-and and i*e in s'"# !ro!ert, in t#e a-sen"e o* an ante6n'!tia( "ontra"t, are deter+ined - t#e (a o* t#e !(a"e #ere t#e !ro!ert is sit'ated, irres!e"tive o* t#e do+i"i(e o* t#e !arties or to t#e !(a"e #ere t#e +arria&e as "e(e-rated. Under t#is -road !rin"i!(e, t#e nat're and e;tent o* t#e tit(e #i"# vested in rs. Gi--s at t#e ti+e o* t#e a"7'isition o* t#e "o++'nit (ands #ere in 7'estion +'st -e deter+ined in a""ordan"e it# t#e le) rei sitae. It is ad+itted t#at t#e P#i(i!!ine (ands #ere in 7'estion ere a"7'ired as "o++'nit !ro!ert o* t#e "on2'&a( !artners#i! o* t#e a!!e((ee and #is i*e. It res'(ts t#at t#e i*e o* t#e a!!e((ee as, - t#e (a o* t#e P#i(i!!ine Is(ands, vested o* a des"endi-(e interest, a tit(e e7'a( to t#at o* #er #'s-and, in t#e P#i(i!!ine (ands *ro+ t#e date o* t#eir a"7'isition to t#e date o* #er deat#. T#e des"endi-(e interest o* Eva )o#nson Gi--s in t#e (ands a*oresaid as trans+itted to #er #eirs - virt'e o* in#eritan"e and t#is trans+ission !(ain( *a((s it#in t#e (an&'a&e o* se"tion $B@ o* Arti"(e I o* C#a!ter 4 o* t#e Ad+inistrative Code #i"# (evies a ta; on in#eritan"es. It is 'nne"essar in t#is !ro"eedin& to deter+ine t#e order o* s'""ession or t#e e;tent o* t#e s'""essiona( ri&#ts 0arti"(e $4, Civi( Code, supra1 #i"# o'(d -e re&'(ated - se"tion $@ o* t#e Civi( Code o* Ca(i*ornia #i"# as in e**e"t at t#e ti+e o* t#e deat# o* rs. Gi--s. Petition dis+issed.



G.R. No. L/1+114

No!&*!r '3, 19-(

ELENITA LEDESA SILQA, ET AL., !(ainti**s6a!!e((ees, vs. ESTHER PERALTA, de*endant6a!!e((ee, FACTS:

At t#e o't-rea/ o* t#e ar in $%$, t#e de*endant Est#er Pera(ta a-andoned #er st'dies as a st'dent n'rse at t#e Za+-oan&a Genera( Hos!ita(. In )'ne o* $%3, s#e resided it# #er sister, rs. Pedro Pia, in a"o, Ta&'+, a-ini Davao. Sat'rnino Si(va, t#en an A+eri"an "iti9en and an o**i"er o* t#e United States Ar+ and +arried to one Pres"i((a Isa-e( o* A'stra(ia, #ad -een ordered to -e sent to t#e P#i(i!!ines d'rin& t#e ene+ o""'!ation to #e(! 'nite t#e &'eri((as in t#eir *i&#t *or *reedo+. In $%, #e as t#e "o++andin& o**i"er o* t#e $@4t# Re&i+ent, 'nder t#e overa(( "o++and o* Co(one( C(aro La'reta o* t#e $4t# Division, it# &enera( #ead7'arters at a&'&!o, Ta&'+, Davao. So+eti+e d'rin& t#e ear $%, 8(oren"e, a o'n&er sister o* t#e de*endant, as a""'sed o* #avin& "o((a-orated it# t#e ene+, and *or t#is s#e as arrested, and a""o+!anied - Est#er, -ro'&#t to Ani-on&an and (ater to t#e &enera( #ead7'arters at a&'&!o *or investi&ation t#at Si(va *irst +et Est#er 8(oren"e as e;onerated o* t#e "#ar&es +ade a&ainst #er and as ordered re(eased, -'t it# t#e advi"e t#at s#e s#o'(d not ret'rn to a"o *or t#e ti+e -ein&. Heedin& s'"# advi"e, 8(oren"e and #er sister, a!!e((ee #erein, ent to (ive it# t#e s!o'ses r. and rs. Ca+i(o Do"to(ero at Ti!as, a&'&!o, Davao. Si(va started to *re7'ent t#e #o'se o* t#e Do"to(eros, and soon !ro*essed (ove *or Est#er. Havin& -een +ade to -e(ieve t#at #e as sin&(e, s#e a""e!ted #is +arria&e !ro!osa(, and t#e to ere +arried on )an'ar $, $%B - one 8at#er Cote on t#e o""asion o* a #o'se -(essin&. No do"'+ents o* +arria&e ere !re!ared nor e;e"'ted, a((e&ed( -e"a'se t#ere ere no avai(a-(e !rinted *or+s *or t#e !'r!ose. Hen"e, t#e (overs (ived to&et#er as #'s-and and i*e. 8ro+ t#e +arria&e, a "#i(d, na+ed Sat'rnino Si(va, )r., as -orn. On a , $%B, Si(va s'stained serio's o'nds in t#e -att(e o* Isin&, *or #i"# reason, #e as trans*erred to Lete, and (ater to t#e United States, #e divor"ed Pre"i((a Isa-e( and (ater, on a %, $%, "ontra"ted +arria&e it# !(ainti** E(enita Ledes+a Si(va. U!on #is ret'rn to t#e P#i(i!!ines, a!!e((ee Est#er Pera(ta de+anded s'!!ort *or t#eir "#i(d, and, #is re*'sa(, instit'ted a s'it *or s'!!ort in t#e Co'rt o* 8irst Instan"e o* ani(a. T#ere'!on, t#e !resent a"tion as *i(ed a&ainst Est#er, and anot#er s'it a&ainst #er as instit'ted in Cota-ato.



E;"e!t *or t#e state+ent t#at a +arria&e a"t'a(( too/ !(a"e -eteen Sat'rnino Si(va and Est#er Pera(ta, t#e eviden"e on re"ord *'(( s'!!orts t#e *ore&oin& *indin&s o* *a"t t#e (oer "o'rt. No eviden"e as o**ered, ot#er t#an t#e testi+onies testi+onies o* t#e de*endant de*endant #erse(* and #er "o'nse(, Att. Att. )'an 'i2ano, 'i2ano, to !rove an s'"# a((e&ed +arria&e, a(t#o'&# t#ere is "onvin"in& !roo* t#at t#e de*endant and Sat'rnino Si(va, *or a ti+e, a"t'a(( (ived to&et#er as "o++on6(a #'s-and and i*e. 5't t#e itnessJ asseverations re&ardin& t#e +arria&e, ta/en - t#e+se(ves and "onsidered it# ot#er "ir"'+stan"es a!!earin& on t#e re"ord, revea( too +'"# 'n"ertaint and in"o#eren"e as to -e "onvin"in&. ISSUE:

Did t#e a!!e((ee +isre!resented #erse(* as rs. Si(va= RULING:

es. In vie o* t#e non6e;isten"e o* a!!e((eeJs +arria&e it# Sat'rnino Si(va, and t#e (atterJs a"t'a( +arria&e to !(ainti** Ledes+a, it is not !ro!er *or Est#er to "ontin'e re!resentin& #erse(* as t#e i*e o* Sat'rnino. Arti"(e @4 o* t#e Civi( Code o* t#e P#i(i!!ines a't#ori9es a +arried o+an to 'se t#e s'rna+e o* #er #'s-and: i+!(ied(, it a(so e;"('des ot#ers *ro+ doin& (i/eise. In t#e *a"e o* t#e eviden"e, e "annot &ive va('e on t#e !res'+!tion o* t#e +arria&e 'nder se"tion se"tion % 0--1 o* t#e R'(es o* Co'rt, es!e"ia(( es!e"ia(( -e"a'se, at t#e ti+e o* t#e a((e&ed +arria&e on )an'ar $, $%B, Sat'rnino Si(va as sti(( +arried to one Pris"i((a Isa-e(, an A'stra(ian nationa(.



G.R. No. L/17(

Au%ust +1, 194

PETITION 8OR THE PRESUPTION O8 DEATH O8 NICOLAI SZATRAW, CONSUELO SORS, !etitioner6a!!e((ant. FACTS:

P(eadin& 'nder oat# t#at s#e is t#e (a*'( i*e o* o * Ni"o(as S9atra, a Po(is# "iti9en, to #o+ s#e as +arried in ani(a on Nove+-er, $%@, #o+ s#e -ore a "#i(d na+ed A(e;is S9atra -orn on  Se!te+-er $%@, it# #o+ s#e #ad (ived *ro+ t#e ti+e t#e ere +arried 'nti( 8e-r'ar, $%4, #en #er #'s-and, on t#e !rete;t t#at #e o'(d "a(( on so+e *riends, de!arted *ro+ t#e "on2'&a( a-ode a-ode "arr "arrin in& & t#e t#e "#i( "#i(d d a(on a(on& & it# it# #i+ #i+ and never never ret' ret'rne rned, d, a-o' a-o'tt #ose #ose #er #ereaea-o' o'ts ts s#e s#e +ade +ade in7'i in7'iri ries es *ro+ *ro+ a+on a+on& & #er #er #'s-a #'s-and ndJs Js *rien *riends ds and and "o'ntr+en and (earned t#at #er #'s-and and "#i(d #ad (e*t *or S#an&#ai, #ere, a""ordin&, #oever, to in*or+ation o-tained *ro+ Po(is# "iti9ens #o #ad arrived *ro+ t#at !(a"e, #e and t#e "#i(d #ad not -een seen and "o'(d not -e *o'nd: t#at a(( #er e**orts to /no t#e #erea-o'ts o* #er #'s-and and "#i(d ere in vain: and t#at, -e"a'se o* #er #'s-andJs a-sen"e *or +ore t#an seven ears d'rin& #i"# s#e #as not #eard an nes *ro+ #i+ and a-o't #er "#i(d, s#e -e(ieves t#at #e is dead, Cons'e(o Sors !ras t#at #er #'s-and -e de"(ared dead and t#at #er !arenta( a't#orit over #er "#i(d, s#o'(d t#e (atter -e a(ive and (ater on a!!ear, -e !reserved. U!on t#e *ore&oin& eviden"e t#e tria( "o'rt dis+issed t#e !etition on t#e &ro'nd t#at it is not *or t#e sett(e+ent o* t#e estate o* t#e a-sentee, a-sentee, and -e"a'se -e"a'se t#e r'(e o* eviden"e esta-(is#in& esta-(is#in& t#e !res'+!tion !res'+!tion t#at a !erson 'n#eard *ro+ in seven ears is dead, does not "reate a ri&#t '!on #i"# a 2'di"ia( !rono'n"e+ent o* a de"ree +a -e !redi"ated. T#e !etitioner #as a!!ea(ed. ISSUE:

W#et#er or not t#e !etition is a((oed= HELD:

T#e !etition is not *or t#e sett(e+ent o* t#e estate o* Ni"o(ai S9atra, -e"a'se it does not a!!ear t#at #e !ossessed !ro!ert -ro'&#t to t#e +arria&e and -e"a'se #e #ad a"7'ired no !ro!ert d'rin& #is +arried (i*e it# t#e !etitioner. T#e r'(e invo/ed - t#e (atter is +ere( one o* eviden"e #i"# !er+its t#e "o'rt to !res'+e t#at a !erson is dead a*ter t#e *a"t t#at s'"# !erson #ad -ee -een 'n#ea n#eard rd *ro+ ro+ in seve seven n ear earss #ad #ad -een een est esta-(i a-(is# s#ed ed.. A 2'di" 'di"ia ia(( !rono'n"e+ent to t#at e**e"t, even i* *ina( and e;e"'tor, o'(d sti(( -e a prima facie !res'+!tion on(. It is sti(( dis!'ta-(e. It is *or t#at reason t#at it "annot -e t#e s'-2e"t o* a 2'di"ia( !rono'n"e+ent or de"(aration, i* it is t#e on( 7'estion or +atter invo(ved in a "ase, or '!on #i"# a "o+!etent "o'rt #as to !ass. T#e (atter +'st de"ide *ina(( t#e "ontrovers -eteen t#e !arties, or deter+ine *ina(( t#e ri&#t or stat's o* a !art or esta-(is# *ina(( a !arti"'(ar *a"t, o't o* #i"# "ertain ri&#ts and o-(i&ations arise or +a arise: and on"e s'"# "ontrovers is Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 83


de"ided - a *ina( 2'd&+ent, or s'"# ri&#t or stat's deter+ined, or s'"# !arti"'(ar *a"t esta-(is#ed, - a *ina( de"ree, t#en t#e 2'd&+ent on t#e s'-2e"t o* t#e "ontrovers, or t#e de"ree '!on t#e ri&#t or stat's o* a !art or '!on t#e judicata, s'-2e"t to no "o((atera( e;isten"e o* a !arti"'(ar *a"t, -e"o+es res judicata atta"/, e;"e!t in a *e rare instan"es es!e"ia(( !rovided - (a. It is. t#ere*ore, "(ear t#at a 2'di"ia( de"(aration t#at a !erson is !res'+!tive( dead, -e"a'se #e #ad -een 'n#eard *ro+ in seven ears, -ein& a !res'+!tion juris tantum on(, s'-2e"t to "ontrar !roo*, "annot rea"# t#e sta&e o* *ina(it or -e"o+e *ina(. Proo* o* a"t'a( deat# o* t#e !erson !res'+ed dead -e"a'se #e #ad -een 'n#eard *ro+ in seven ears, o'(d #ave to -e +ade in anot#er !ro"eedin& to #ave s'"# !arti !arti"' "'(a (arr *a"t *a"t *ina *ina(((( dete deter+ r+in ined ed.. I* a 2'di 2'di"i "ia( a( de"re de"ree e de"( de"(ar arin in& & a !ers !erson on !res'+!tive( dead, -e"a'se #e #ad not -een #eard *ro+ in seven ears, "annot -e"o+e *ina( and e;e"'tor even a*ter t#e (a!se o* t#e re&(e+entar !eriod it#in #i"# an a!!ea( +a -e ta/en, *or s'"# !res'+!tion is sti(( dis!'ta-(e and re+ains s'-2e"t to "ontrar !roo*, t#en a !etition *or s'"# a de"(aration is 'se(ess, 'nne"essar, s'!er*('o's and o* no -ene*it -ene *it to t#e !etitioner.



G.R. No. L/9'-

No!&*!r ', 1939

QICTOR SHIPPING LINES, INC., !etitioner, vs. WORKENJS COPENSATION COISSION, ET AL., res!ondents. FACTS:

On 8e-r'ar 3@, $%B, Pedro I"on&, an e+!(oee o* !etitioner, as s(ee!in& on -oard FQ iss Lete, #en it "a'&#t *ire. Aa/ened - t#e *ire, Pedro I"on& 2'+!ed over-oard. Sin"e t#en #e #as not -een #eard o*. T#e e+!(oee as 'n+arried and #is *at#er, res!ondent )'an I"on& as #is !artia( de!endent. On A!ri( @4, $%B, )'an I"on& *i(ed it# t#e Wor/+en
Wo'(d t#e !rovisions o* Arti"(e @%$ o* t#e o(d Civi( Code on !res'+!tive deat# a!!( on t#is "ase= HELD:

No. T#o'&# !etitioner ar&'es t#at in t#e a-sen"e o* !roo* o* t#e deat# o* Pedro I"on&, t#e !erson to -e !res'+ed dead +'st -e 'n#eard o* *or at (east *o'r ears: t#at inas+'"# as Pedro I"on& #ad -een +issin& on( *or a *e +ont#s *ro+ t#e a((e&ed a""ident, t#ere is et (e&a( !res'+!tion t#at Pedro I"on& is a(ive. T#e S'!re+e Co'rt #oever, r'(ed t#at, in t#e "ase o* adri&a( S#i!!in& Co., In". vs. Nieves 5aens de( Rosario, et. a(. G.R. No. L6$@$@4, $46@$6$%B%, it a!!roves o* t#e e;!(anation o* t#e res!ondent Co++issioner t#erein t#at Arti"(e @%$ o* t#e Civi( Code o* t#e P#i(i!!ines re(atin& to !res'+!tion o* deat# o* !ersons a-oard a vesse( (ost d'rin& a sea voa&e a!!(ies to "ase #erein t#e vesse( "annot -e (o"ated nor a""o'nted *or, or #en its *ate is 'n/non or t#ere is no tra"e o* its #erea-o'ts, inas+'"# as t#e ord (ost 'sed in re*errin& to a vesse( +'st -e &iven t#e sa+e +eanin& as +issin& e+!(oed in "onne"tion it# an aero!(ane, t#e !ersons ta/in& -ot# +eans o* "onvean"e -ein& t#e o-2e"t o* t#e r'(e e;!ressed in t#e sa+e senten"e. In t#e instant "ase, none o* t#e *ore&oin& "onditions a!!ear to e;ist. T#e *ate o* !etitionerJs vesse( is not 'n/non. It as not (ost or +issin&. As a +atter o* *a"t, it #ad -een de*inite( destroed - *ire and as#ed as#ore. And in vie o* t#e *'rt#er *a"t t#at #en Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 85


!etitionerJs vesse( "a'&#t *ire, Pedro I"on& 2'+!ed over-oard and sin"e t#en #ad not -een #eard *ro+, t#e a*ore+entioned r'(e on !res'+!tion o* deat# does not a!!(. Instead t#e r'(e on !re!onderan"e o* eviden"e a!!(ies to esta-(is# t#e *a"t o* deat#. In t#e sa+e "ase o* adri&a( S#i!!in& Co., In"., s'!ra, e said> W#ere a !erson as (ast seen in a state o* i++inent !eri( t#at +i&#t !ro-a-( res'(t in #is deat# and #as never -een seen or #eard *ro+ a&ain, t#o'&# di(i&ent sear"# #as -een +ade, in*eren"e o* i++ediate deat# +a -e dran. 05ron(ee, et a(., vs. 't'a( 5ene*it, Hea(t# and A""ident Asso"iation, 3% 8ed 3nd $1.



G.R. No. L/747

D!c!&*!r '9, 191+

CONSTANZA AYEZ DE 5ARNUEQO, !(ainti** and a!!e((ant, vs. GA5RIEL 8USTER, de*endant and a!!e((ant. FACTS:

On t#e t# o* 8e-r'ar, $B, Ga-rie( 8'ster and Constan9a ae9 ere 2oined in a Cat#o(i" or "anoni"a( +arria&e in t#e "it o* a(a&a, S!ain. In 8e-r'ar o* $%3, Ga-rie( 8'ster "a+e to t#e P#i(i!!ine Is(ands, sett(ed, and a"7'ired rea( and !ersona( !ro!ert. Toard t#e +idd(e o* $%, Constan9a ae9 "a+e to ani(a, #ere #er #'s-and as residin&, and #ere (ived it# #i+ in "on2'&a( re(ations 'nti( t#e +ont# o* A!ri(, $%%. On t#e t# da o* t#at +ont# and ear t#e +ade an a&ree+ent, in a !'-(i" do"'+ent, - #i"# t#e reso(ved to se!arate and (ive a!art, -ot# "onsentin& to s'"# se!aration, and - virt'e t#ereo* t#e #'s-and a't#ori9ed t#e i*e to +ove to S!ain, t#ere to reside in s'"# !(a"e as t#e said (ad !(eases. In t#e sa+e do"'+ent, t#e #'s-and 'ndertoo/ to send #is i*e t#e s'+ o* @44 pesetas +ont#( *or #er s'!!ort, !aa-(e in adrid, S!ain, *ro+ t#e +ont# o* )'ne o* t#e said ear $%%. T#e #'s-and "o+!(ied it# t#is o-(i&ation 'nti( A'&'st, $%%, a*ter #i"# ti+e #e "eased to +a/e *'rt#er !a+ents. In t#e -e&innin& o* ar"#, $%4%, t#e i*e ret'rned to t#e P#i(i!!ines, -'t t#e #'s-and #ad a-sented #i+se(* t#ere*ro+ in t#e ear( das o* 8e-r'ar o* t#e sa+e ear. On t#e $$t# o* ar"#, $%4%, t#e i*e "o++en"ed divor"e !ro"eedin&s a&ainst #er #'s-and, a((e&in& as "a'se o* a"tion t#e ad'(ter "o++itted - #i+ in or a-o't t#e ear $%% it# a "ertain o+an t#at s#e na+ed in t#e "o+!(aint and it# #o+ #e #ad (ived and "o#a-ited and - #o+ #e #ad #ad to "#i(dren. S#e !raed t#at s#e -e &ranted a de"ree o* divor"e: t#at t#e "o'rt order t#e se!aration o* t#e !ro!erties o* t#e !(ainti** and t#e de*endant, to date *ro+ t#e date o* t#e said de"ree: t#at t#e "on2'&a( so"iet -e t#ere*ore (i7'idated, and a*ter t#e a+o'nt o* t#e "on2'&a( !ro!ert #ad -een deter+ined, t#at one6#a(* t#ereo* -e ad2'di"ated to #er: *'rt#er+ore, as to t#e a+o'nt o* !ension oin& *or #er s'!!ort -'t not !aid to #er, t#at t#e de*endant -e ordered to !a #er t#e s'+ o* @,444 S!anis# pesetas, t#at is, ,334 S!anis# do((ars, #i"#, red'"ed to P#i(i!!ine "'rren" at t#e rate o* e;"#an&e on t#e date o* t#e "o+!(aint, a+o'nted to P$3,%B%.%4. In de"idin& t#e "ase, t#e Co'rt o* 8irst Instan"e o* t#e "it o* ani(a #e(d itse(* to #ave 2'risdi"tion, de"reed t#e s's!ension o* (i*e in "o++on -eteen t#e !(ainti** and de*endant, ordered t#e (atter to !a t#e *or+er PB,4$4.$, dire"ted t#at t#e "o++'na( !ro!ert -e divided -eteen t#e !arties, it# "osts a&ainst t#e de*endant, and in event t#at t#e !arties "o'(d not a&ree to t#e division, it as to -e e**e"ted - "o++issioners a""ordin& to (a. Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 87


5ot# !arties a!!ea(ed *ro+ t#is 2'd&+ent, -'t notit#standin& t#e a!!ea(, t#e !artition o* t#e !ro!ert, - +eans o* "o++issioners, as !ro"eeded it#. T#ese (atter, a*ter vario's vi"issit'des, rendered t#eir re!ort and a""o'nt o* t#e !artition to t#e "o'rt, #o t#en rendered *ina( 2'd&+ent, *ro+ #i"#, a(so, -ot# !arties a!!ea(ed. ISSUE:

W#et#er or not t#e Co'rt o* 8irst Instan"e over t#e "ase and !artition o* !ro!ert as de"ided - t#e "o'rt s#o'(d -e a**ir+ed. HELD:

T#e !artition o* !ro!ert de"reed in t#e 2'd&+ent a!!ea(ed *ro+ o* t#e %t# o* Se!te+-er, $%$$, s#o'(d -e and is #ere- "on*ir+ed. T#e to 2'd&+ents a!!ea(ed *ro+ are #ere- a**ir+ed, it#o't s!e"ia( !rono'n"e+ent o* "osts in t#is instan"e. T#e a't#orit o* 2'risdi"tiona( !oer o* "o'rts to de"ree a divor"e is not "o+!rised it#in t#e !ersona( stat's o* t#e #'s-and and i*e, si+!( -e"a'se t#e #o(e t#eor o* t#e stat'tes and o* t#e ri&#ts #i"# -e(on& to everone does not &o -eond t#e s!#ere o* !rivate (a, and t#e a't#orit and 2'risdi"tion o* t#e "o'rts are not a +atter o* t#e !rivate (a o* !ersons, -'t o* t#e !'-(i" or !o(iti"a( (a o* t#e nation. T#e 2'risdi"tion o* "o'rts and ot#er 7'estions re(atin& to !ro"ed're are "onsidered to -e o* a !'-(i" nat're and "onse7'ent( are &enera(( s'-+itted to t#e territoria( !rin"i!(e. . . . A(( !ersons t#at #ave to de+and 2'sti"e in a "ase in #i"# *orei&ners intervene, sin"e t#e "an &ain not#in& - a si+!(e de"(aration, s#o'(d endeavor to a!!( to t#e tri-'na(s o* t#e state #i"# #ave "oer"ive +eans 0!ro!ert sit'ated in t#e territor1 to en*or"e an de"ision t#e +a render. Ot#erise, one o'(d e;!ose #i+se(* in t#e s'it to +a/in& 'se(ess e;!endit'res #i"#, a(t#o'&# #e on #is "ase, o'(d not "ontri-'te to se"'re #is ri&#ts -e"a'se o* t#e "o'rt

)a!an, in C#ina, in Hon&/on& or in an ot#er territor not s'-2e"t to t#e do+inion o* S!ain. 8orei&n Cat#o(i"s do+i"i(ed in S!ain, s'-2e"t to t#e e""(esiasti"a( "o'rts in a"tions *or divor"e a""ordin& to t#e said arti"(e 4 o* t#e Civi( Code, "o'(d not a((e&e (a"/ o* 2'risdi"tion - invo/in&, as t#e (a o* t#eir !ersona( stat'te, a (a o* t#eir nation #i"# &ives 2'risdi"tion in s'"# a "ase to territoria( "o'rts, or to a "ertain "o'rt it#in or it#o't t#e territor o* t#eir nation. It is a 7'estion t#at #as a(read -een sett(ed in to de"isions o* t#e S'!re+e Co'rt. In t#e !resent a"tion *or divor"e t#e Co'rt o* 8irst Instan"e o* t#e "it o* ani(a did not (a"/ 2'risdi"tion over t#e !ersons o* t#e (iti&ants, *or, a(t#o'&# S!anis# Cat#o(i" s'-2e"ts, t#e ere residents o* t#is "it and #ad t#eir do+i"i(e #erein.



G.R. No. 314(

2# 17, 199(

TOAS EUGENIO, SR., !etitioner, vs. HON. ALE)ANDRO . QELEZ, Presidin& )'d&e, Re&iona( Tria( Co'rt, 5ran"# 34, Ca&aan de Oro Cit, DEPUT SHERI88 )OHNSON TAN, )R., De!'t S#eri** o* 5ran"# 34, Re&iona( Tria( Co'rt, Ca&aan de Oro Cit, and t#e Private Res!ondents, t#e !etitioners in S!. Pro". No. 6BB, *or Ha-eas Cor!'s, na+e(> CRISANTA QARGAS6SANCHEZ, SANTOS and NARCISA QARGAS6 5ENTULAN, res!ondents. [[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[ G.R. No. -47(

2# 17, 199(.

TOAS EUGENIO, !etitioner6a!!e((ant, vs. HON. ALE)ANDRO . QELEZ, Presidin& )'d&e, Re&iona( Tria( Co'rt, 5ran"# 34, Ca&aan de Oro Cit, CRISANTA QARGAS6SANCHEZ, 8ELI QARGAS, ERNESTO QARGAS, NATIQIDAD QARGAS6CAGAPE, NENITA QARGAS6 CADENAS, LUDIQINA QARGAS6DE LOS SANTOS and NARCISA QARGAS6 5ENTULAN, res!ondents6a!!e((ees. FACTS:

Qita(iana Qar&as< -rot#ers and sisters 'naare o* Qita(iana
Can t#e !etitioner "(ai+ "'stod o* t#e de"eased= HELD:

es. Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 90


T#e "o'rt #e(d t#at t#e "'stod o* t#e dead -od o* Qita(iana as "orre"t( aarded to t#e s'rvivin& -rot#ers and sisters !'rs'ant to Se"tion $$4@ o* t#e Revised Ad+inistrative Code #i"# !rovides> Persons "#ar&ed it# d't o* -'ria(6 i* t#e de"eased as an 'n+arried +an or o+an or a "#i(d and (e*t an /in: t#e d't o* t#e -'ria( s#a(( devo(ve '!on t#e nearest /in o* t#e de"eased. A(-eit, !etitioner "(ai+s #e is t#e s!o'se as "onte+!(ated 'nder Art. 3% o* t#e Civi( Code, P#i(i!!ine (a does not re"o&ni9e "o++on (a +arria&es #ere a +an and a o+an not (e&a(( +arried #o "o#a-it *or +an ears as #'s-and and i*e, #o re!resent t#e+se(ves to t#e !'-(i" as #'s-and and i*e, and #o are re!'ted to -e #'s-and and i*e in t#e "o++'nit #ere t#e (ive +a -e "onsidered (e&a(( +a'(ed in "o++on (a 2'risdi"tions. In addition, it re7'ires t#at t#e +an and o+an (ivin& to&et#er +'st not in an a -e in"a!a"itated to "ontra"t +arria&e. W#ereas, t#e !etitioner #as a s'-sistin& +arria&e it# anot#er o+an, (e&a( i+!edi+ent t#at dis7'a(i*ied #i+ *ro+ even (e&a(( +arrin& Qita(iana.



G.R. No. L/3+7(+

Au%ust 19, 19-

LILIA OLIQA WIEGEL, !etitioner, vs. THE HONORA5LE ALICIA Q. SEPIO6DI 0as !residin& 2'd&e o* t#e )'veni(e and Do+esti" Re(ations Co'rt o* Ca(oo"an Cit1 and KARL HEINZ WIEGEL, res!ondents. FACTS:

Res!ondent Kar( Hein9 Wie&e( *i(ed -e*ore t#e )'veni(e and Do+esti" Re(ations Co'rt o* Ca(oo"an Cit *or t#e de"(aration o* N'((it o* #is +arria&e it# #erein !etitioner Li(ia O(iva Wie&e( on t#e &ro'nd o* t#e (atter
W#et#er Kar(
Kar( and Li(ia


G.R. No. 1(+(47

S!5t!&*!r ', 1994

REPU5LIC O8 THE PHILIPPINES, !etitioner, vs. COURT O8 APPEALS AND ANGELINA . CASTRO, res!ondents. FACTS:

An&e(ina . Castro and Edin 8. Cardenas ere +arried in a "ivi( "ere+on !er*or+ed - )'d&e Pa-(o . a(var, it#o't t#e /no(ed&e o* Castro
Is t#e Certi*i"ation o* D'e Sear"# and Ina-i(it to 8ind t#e +arria&e (i"ense a s'**i"ient eviden"e to render t#e +arria&e void. HELD:

es. Una""o+!anied - an "ir"'+stan"e o* s's!i"ion and !'rs'ant to Se"tion 3%, R'(e $@3 o* t#e R'(es o* Co'rt, a "erti*i"ate o* d'e sear"# and ina-i(it to *ind s'**i"ient( !roved t#at t#e (o"a( "ivi( re&istr o**i"e did not iss'e a +arria&e (i"ense to t#e "ontra"tin& !arties. Sin"e no +arria&e (i"ense as iss'ed, +arria&e is rendered void a- initio 0'nder t#e 8a+i( Code, Art.1. It is a(so ort# notin& t#at Castro *ai(ed to o**er an ot#er itness re&ardin& t#e "e(e-ration o* #er +arria&e. T#is is -e"a'se o* its !e"'(iar "ir"'+stan"e o* -ein& a se"ret +arria&e. Cardenas did not a!!ear d'rin& t#e ann'(+ent tria(, so #e is "onsidered to -e in de*a'(t. Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 93


8'rt#er+ore, t#e a-ove+entioned "erti*i"ate, a""o+!anied - a ritten state+ent t#at a*ter a di(i&ent sear"#, no s'"# entr e;ists in t#e re"ords o* an o**i"e, d'( si&ned - t#e o**i"ia( or de!'t in "'stod o* said o**i"e: is ad+issi-(e as eviden"e t#at said o**i"e "ontain no s'"# re"ord.



A.2. No. 2TJ/9-/1(

Ju0 19, 199-

RODOL8O G. NAQARRO, "o+!(ainant, vs. )UDGE HERNANDO C. DOAGTO, res!ondent. FACTS:

T#e +'ni"i!a( aor o* Da!a, S'ri&ao De( Norte, Rodo(*o G. Navarro *i(ed an ad+inistrative "ase a&ainst t#e 'ni"i!a( Cir"'it Tria( Co'rt )'d&e Hernando Do+a&to, #i"#, #e "ontends, e;#i-its &ross +is"ond'"t as e(( as ine**i"ien" in o**i"e and i&noran"e o* t#e (a *or so(e+ni9in& t#e eedin& o* Gas!ar A. Ta&adan and Ar(n 8. 5or&a, des!ite t#e /no(ed&e t#at t#e &roo+ is +ere( se!arated *ro+ #is *irst i*e and *or !er*or+in& t#e +arria&e "ere+on -eteen 8(oriano Dador So+a(o and Ge++a G. de( Rosario o'tside #is "o'rt
W#et#er or not )'d&e Do+a&to a"ted it# &ross +is"ond'"t in t#ese instan"es. RULING:

Arti"(e $ o* t#e 8a+i( Code Provides t#at 8or t#e !'r!ose o* "ontra"tin& t#e s'-se7'ent +arria&e 'nder t#e !re"edin& !ara&ra!#, t#e s!o'se !resent +'st instit'te a s'++ar !ro"eedin& as !rovided in t#is Code *or t#e de"(aration o* !res'+!tive deat# o* t#e a-sentee, it#o't !re2'di"e to t#e e**e"t o* rea!!earan"e o* t#e a-sent s!o'se. 0E+!#asis added.1 T#ere is not#in& a+-i&'o's or di**i"'(t to "o+!re#end in t#is !rovision. In *a"t, t#e (a is "(ear and si+!(e. Even i* t#e s!o'se !resent #as a e((6*o'nded -e(ie* t#at t#e a-sent s!o'se as a(read dead, a s'++ar !ro"eedin& *or t#e de"(aration o* !res'+!tive deat# is ne"essar in order to "ontra"t a s'-se7'ent +arria&e, a +andator re7'ire+ent #i"# #as -een !re"ise( in"or!orated into Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 95


t#e 8a+i( Code to dis"o'ra&e s'-se7'ent +arria&es #ere it is not !roven t#at t#e !revio's +arria&e #as -een disso(ved or a +issin& s!o'se is *a"t'a(( or !res'+!tive( dead, in a""ordan"e it# !ertinent !rovisions o* (a. In t#e "ase at -ar, Gas!ar Ta&adan did not instit'te a s'++ar !ro"eedin& *or t#e de"(aration o* #is *irst i*eJs !res'+!tive deat#. A-sent t#is 2'di"ia( de"(aration, #e re+ains +arried to Ida Pearanda. W#et#er ittin&( or 'nittin&(, it as +ani*est error on t#e !art o* res!ondent 2'd&e to #ave a""e!ted t#e 2oint a**idavit s'-+itted - t#e &roo+. S'"# ne&(e"t or i&noran"e o* t#e (a #as res'(ted in a -i&a+o's, and t#ere*ore void, +arria&e. T#e se"ond iss'e invo(ves t#e so(e+ni9ation o* a +arria&e "ere+on o'tside t#e "o'rtJs 2'risdi"tion, "overed - Arti"(es  and  o* t#e 8a+i( Code. Res!ondent 2'd&e !oints to Arti"(e  and its e;"e!tions as t#e 2'sti*i"ation *or #is #avin& so(e+ni9ed t#e +arria&e -eteen 8(oriano S'+a(o and Ge++a de( Rosario o'tside o* #is "o'rtJs 2'risdi"tion. As t#e a*ore7'oted !rovision states, a +arria&e "an -e #e(d o'tside o* t#e 2'd&eJs "#a+-ers or "o'rtroo+ on( in t#e *o((oin& instan"es> 0$1 at t#e !oint o* deat#, 031 in re+ote !(a"es in a""ordan"e it# Arti"(e 3% or 0@1 '!on re7'est o* -ot# !arties in ritin& in a sorn state+ent to t#is e**e"t. T#ere is no !retense t#at eit#er S'+a(o or de( Rosario as at t#e !oint o* deat# or in t#e re+ote !(a"e. oreover, t#e ritten re7'est !resented addressed to t#e res!ondent 2'd&e as +ade - on( one !art, Ge++a de( Rosario. )'d&es #o are a!!ointed to s!e"i*i" 2'risdi"tions, +a o**i"iate in eddin&s on( it#in said areas and not -eond. W#ere a 2'd&e so(e+ni9es a +arria&e o'tside #is "o'rtJs 2'risdi"tion, t#ere is a res'(tant irre&'(arit in t#e *or+a( re7'isite (aid don in Arti"(e @, #i"# #i(e it +a not a**e"t t#e va(idit o* t#e +arria&e, +a s'-2e"t t#e o**i"iatin& o**i"ia( to ad+inistrative (ia-i(it. T#e res!ondent 2'd&e, in t#is "ase, as not "(ot#ed it# a't#orit to so(e+ni9e a +arria&e in t#e 'ni"i!a(it o* Da!a, S'ri&ao De( Norte. 5 "itin& Arti"(e  and t#e e;"e!tions t#erein as &ro'nds *or t#e e;er"ise o* #is +is!(a"ed a't#orit, res!ondent 2'd&e a&ain de+onstrated a (a"/ o* 'nderstandin& o* t#e -asi" !rin"i!(es o* "ivi( (a. A""ordin&(, t#e Co'rt *inds res!ondent to #ave a"ted in &ross i&noran"e o* t#e (a. T#e (e&a( !rin"i!(es a!!(i"a-(e in t#e "ases -ro'&#t to o'r attention are e(e+entar and 'n"o+!(i"ated, !ro+!tin& 's to "on"('de t#at res!ondentJs *ai('re to a!!( t#e+ is d'e to a (a"/ o* "o+!re#ension o* t#e (a. T#e O**i"e o* t#e Co'rt Ad+inistrator re"o++ends, in its e+orand'+ to t#e Co'rt, a si;6+ont# s's!ension and a stern arnin& t#at a re!etition o* t#e sa+e or si+i(ar a"ts i(( -e dea(t it# +ore severe(. Considerin& t#at one o* t#e +arria&es in 7'estion res'(ted in a -i&a+o's 'nion and t#ere*ore void, and t#e ot#er (a"/ed t#e ne"essar a't#orit o* res!ondent 2'd&e, t#e Co'rt ado!ts said re"o++endation. Res!ondent is advised to -e +ore "ir"'+s!e"t in a!!(in& t#e (a and to "'(tivate a dee!er 'nderstandin& o* t#e (a.



G.R. No. (11-

Jun! +(, 199

IELDA ANALASA PILAPIL, !etitioner, vs. HON. CORONA I5A6SOERA, in #er "a!a"it as Presidin& )'d&e o* t#e Re&iona( Tria( Co'rt o* ani(a, 5ran"# QI: HON. LUIS C. QICTOR, in #is "a!a"it as t#e Cit 8is"a( o* ani(a: and ERICH EKKEHARD GEILING, res!ondents. FACTS:

On Se!te+-er , $%%, I+e(da ana(asa6Pi(a!i(, a 8i(i!ina and t#e res!ondent to t#e "ase, and Eri"# Gei(in&, a Ger+an nationa(, ere +arried at 8riedenei(er in t#e 8edera( Re!'-(i" o* Ger+an. A*ter a-o't t#ree and a #a(* ears o* +arria&e, Gei(in& initiated a divor"e !ro"eedin& a&ainst Pi(a!i( in Ger+an in )an'ar $%@ #i(e Pi(a!i( *i(ed an a"tion *or (e&a( se!aration, s'!!ort and se!aration o* !ro!ert -e*ore RTC o* ani(a in )an'ar 3@, $%@ #ere it is sti(( !endin& as a "ivi( "ase. On )an'ar $B, $%, t#e (o"a( Co'rt o* Ger+an !ro+'(&ated a divor"e de"ree on t#e &ro'nd o* *ai('re o* +arria&e o* t#e s!o'ses. 8ive +ont#s a*ter t#e de"ree o* divor"e, !rivate res!ondent *i(ed to "o+!(aints *or ad'(ter a((e&in& t#at, #i(e sti(( +arried to res!ondent, !etitioner #ad an a**air it# a "ertain Wi((ia+ C#ia and )es's C#'a so+eti+e in $%3 and $%@ res!e"tive(. ISSUE:

W#et#er or not t#e !rivate res!ondent
Under Arti"(e @ o* t#e Revised Pena( Code, t#e "ri+e o* ad'(ter, as e(( as *o'r ot#er "ri+es a&ainst "#astit, "annot -e !rose"'ted e;"e!t '!on a sorn ritten "o+!(aint *i(ed - t#e offended spouse. No, t#e (a s!e"i*i"a(( !rovides t#at in !rose"'tions *or ad'(ter and "on"'-ina&e t#e !erson #o "an (e&a(( *i(e t#e "o+!(aint s#o'(d -e t#e o**ended s!o'se, and no-od e(se. Coro((ar to s'"# e;"('sive &rant o* !oer to t#e o**ended s!o'se to instit'te t#e a"tion, it ne"essari( *o((os t#at s'"# initiator +'st #ave t#e stat's, "a!a"it or (e&a( re!resentation to do so at t#e ti+e o* t#e *i(in& o* t#e "ri+ina( a"tion. T#is is a *a+i(iar and e;!ress r'(e in "ivi( a"tions: in *a"t, (a"/ o* (e&a( "a!a"it to s'e, as a &ro'nd *or a +otion to dis+iss in "ivi( "ases, is deter+ined as o* t#e *i(in& o* t#e "o+!(aint or !etition. In t#e !resent "ase, t#e *a"t t#at !rivate res!ondent o-tained a va(id divor"e in #is "o'ntr, t#e 8edera( Re!'-(i" o* Ger+an, is ad+itted. Said divor"e and its (e&a( e**e"ts +a -e re"o&ni9ed in t#e P#i(i!!ines inso*ar as !rivate res!ondent is "on"erned in vie o* t#e nationa(it !rin"i!(e in o'r "ivi( (a e+-odied in Arti"(e $B o* t#e Civi( Code, on( P#i(i!!ine nationa(s are "overed - t#e !o(i" a&ainst a-so('te divor"es t#e sa+e -ein& "onsidered "ontrar to o'r "on"e!t o* !'-(i" !o(i" and +ora(it. Hoever, a(iens +a o-tain divor"es a-road, #i"# +a -e re"o&ni9ed in t#e P#i(i!!ines, !rovided t#e are va(id Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 97


a""ordin& to t#eir nationa( (aM..T#'s, !'rs'ant to #is nationa( (a, !rivate res!ondent, -ein& no (on&er t#e #'s-and o* !etitioner, #ad no (e&a( standin& to "o++en"e t#e ad'(ter "ase 'nder t#e i+!ost're t#at #e as t#e o**ended s!o'se at t#e ti+e #e *i(ed s'it.



G.R. No. L/-47(

)cto*!r , 193

ALICE REES QAN DORN, !etitioner, vs. HON. ANUEL Q. ROILLO, )R., as Presidin& )'d&e o* 5ran"# C, Re&iona( Tria( Co'rt o* t#e Nationa( Ca!ita( Re&ion Pasa Cit and RICHARD UPTON res!ondents. FACTS>

Petitioner A(i"e Rees Qan Dorn is a "iti9en o* t#e P#i(i!!ines #i(e !rivate res!ondent Ri"#ard U!ton is a "iti9en o* t#e USA. T#e ere +arried in Hon&/on& in $%3, esta-(is#ed residen"e in t#e P#i(i!!ines and -e&ot to "#i(dren. T#e !arties ere divor"ed in Nevada, USA in $%3. Petitioner re+arried to T#eodore Qan Dorna(so in Nevada. In $%@, !rivate res!ondent *i(ed s'it a&ainst !etitioner in t#e RTC6Pasa statin& t#at A(i"e

Is t#e *orei&n divor"e o* t#e !arties -indin& to t#e 8i(i!ino "iti9en= HELD>

es. As e+-odied in Arti"(e $B o* t#e Civi( Code, on( P#i(i!!ine nationa(s are "overed - t#e !o(i" a&ainst a-so('te divor"es t#e sa+e -ein& "onsidered "ontrar to o'r "on"e!t o* !'-(i" !o(i"e and +ora(it. Hoever, a(iens +a o-tain divor"es a-road, #i"# +a -e re"o&ni9ed in t#e P#i(i!!ines, !rovided t#e are va(id a""ordin& to t#eir nationa( (a. In t#is "ase, t#e divor"e in Nevada re(eased !rivate res!ondent *ro+ t#e +arria&e *ro+ t#e standards o* A+eri"an (a, 'nder #i"# a divor"e disso(ves t#e +arria&e. T#'s, !'rs'ant to #is n#tion#0 0#$, !rivate res!ondent is no (on&er t#e #'s-and o* !etitioner. He o'(d #ave no standin& to s'e in t#e "ase -e(o as !etitioner

over t#e a((e&ed "on2'&a( !ro!ert. A(i"e Rees Qan Dorn s#o'(d not -e dis"ri+inated a&ainst in #er on "o'ntr i* t#e ends o* 2'sti"e are to -e served. Petition &ranted.



G.R. No. 13'377

S!5t!&*!r '1, '((3

REPU5LIC O8 THE PHILIPPINES, Petitioner, vs. CRASUS L. IO, Res!ondent. FACTS:

Cras's +arried 8e( on $ De"e+-er $%$. As a res'(t o* t#eir 'nion, t#e #ad *ive "#i(dren Cras's, )r., Da!#ne, De--ie, Ca(vert, and Car(os #o are no a(( o* (e&a( a&es. A*ter t#e "e(e-ration o* t#eir +arria&e, Cras's dis"overed t#at 8e( as #ot6te+!ered, a na&&er and e;trava&ant. In $%, 8e( (e*t t#e P#i(i!!ines *or t#e United States o* A+eri"a 0U.S.A.1, (eavin& a(( o* t#eir *ive "#i(dren, t#e o'n&est t#en -ein& on( si; ears o(d, to t#e "are o* res!ondent Cras's. 5are( a ear a*ter 8e( (e*t *or t#e U.S.A., res!ondent Cras's re"eived a (etter *ro+ #er re7'estin& t#at #e si&n t#e en"(osed divor"e !a!ers: #e disre&arded t#e said re7'est. So+eti+e in $%B, Cras's (earned, t#ro'&# t#e (etters sent - 8e( to t#eir "#i(dren, t#at 8e( &ot +arried to an A+eri"an, it# #o+ s#e event'a(( #ad a "#i(d. In $%, 8e( "a+e -a"/ to t#e P#i(i!!ines it# #er A+eri"an *a+i(, stain& at Ce-' P(a9a Hote( in Ce-' Cit. Res!ondent Cras's did not -ot#er to ta(/ to 8e( -e"a'se #e as a*raid #e +i&#t not -e a-(e to -ear t#e sorro and t#e !ain s#e #ad "a'sed #i+. 8e( ret'rned to t#e P#i(i!!ines severa( ti+es +ore> in $%%4, *or t#e eddin& o* t#eir e(dest "#i(d, Cras's, )r.: in $%%3, *or t#e -rain o!eration o* t#eir *o'rt# "#i(d, Ca(vert: and in $%%B, *or 'n/non reasons. 8e( "ontin'ed to (ive it# #er A+eri"an *a+i( in Ne )erse, U.S.A. S#e #ad -een o!en( 'sin& t#e s'rna+e o* #er A+eri"an #'s-and in t#e P#i(i!!ines and in t#e U.S.A. 8or t#e eddin& o* Cras's, )r., 8e( #erse(* #ad invitations +ade in #i"# s#e as na+ed as rs. 8e( Ada i"/('s. At t#e ti+e t#e Co+!(aint as *i(ed, it #ad -een $@ ears sin"e 8e( (e*t and a-andoned res!ondent Cras's, and t#ere as no +ore !ossi-i(it o* re"on"i(iation -eteen t#e+. Cras's a((e&ed in #is Co+!(aint t#at 8e(
$. Was 8e( a-(e to o-tain a va(id divor"e *ro+ Crass's= 3. Is arti"(e 3, !ara&ra!# 3 o* t#e *a+i( "ode o* t#e P#i(i!!ines a!!(i"a-(e to t#e "ase at -ar= Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 101


RULING:

$. A(t#o'&# t#e e;a"t date as not esta-(is#ed, 8e( #erse(* ad+itted in #er Anser *i(ed -e*ore t#e RTC t#at s#e o-tained a divor"e *ro+ res!ondent Cras's so+eti+e a*ter s#e (e*t *or t#e United States in $%, a*ter #i"# s#e +arried #er A+eri"an #'s-and in $%B. In t#e sa+e Anser, s#e a((e&ed t#at s#e #ad -een an A+eri"an "iti9en sin"e $%. At t#e ti+e s#e *i(ed *or divor"e, 8e( as sti(( a 8i(i!ino "iti9en, and !'rs'ant to t#e nationa(it !rin"i!(e e+-odied in Arti"(e $B o* t#e Civi( Code o* t#e P#i(i!!ines, s#e as sti(( -o'nd - P#i(i!!ine (as on *a+i( ri&#ts and d'ties, stat's, "ondition, and (e&a( "a!a"it, even #en s#e as a(read (ivin& a-road. P#i(i!!ine (as, t#en and even 'nti( no, do not a((o and re"o&ni9e divor"e -eteen 8i(i!ino s!o'ses. T#'s, 8e( "o'(d not #ave va(id( o-tained a divor"e *ro+ res!ondent Cras's. 3. Arti"(e 3, !ara&ra!# 3 o* t#e 8a+i( Code o* t#e P#i(i!!ines is not a!!(i"a-(e to t#e "ase at -ar. A""ordin& to Arti"(e 3, !ara&ra!# 3 o* t#e 8a+i( Code o* t#e P#i(i!!ines> W#ere a +arria&e -eteen a 8i(i!ino "iti9en and a *orei&ner is va(id( "e(e-rated and a divor"e is t#erea*ter va(id( o-tained a-road - t#e a(ien s!o'se "a!a"itatin& #i+ or #er to re+arr, t#e 8i(i!ino s!o'se s#a(( (i/eise #ave "a!a"it to re+arr 'nder P#i(i!!ine (a.

As it is orded, Arti"(e 3, !ara&ra!# 3, re*ers to a s!e"ia( sit'ation #erein one o* t#e "o'!(e &ettin& +arried is a 8i(i!ino "iti9en and t#e ot#er a *orei&ner at t#e ti+e t#e +arria&e as "e(e-rated. 5 its !(ain and (itera( inter!retation, t#e said !rovision "annot -e a!!(ied to t#e "ase o* res!ondent Cras's and #is i*e 8e( -e"a'se at t#e ti+e 8e( o-tained #er divor"e, s#e as sti(( a 8i(i!ino "iti9en.



G.R. No. 1'4+71

No!&*!r '+, '(((

PAULA T. LLORENTE, petitioner! vs. COURT O8 APPEALS and ALICIA 8. LLORENTE, respondents. FACTS:

T#e de"eased Loren9o N. L(orente as an en(isted servi"e+an o* t#e United States Nav *ro+ ar"# $4, $%3 to Se!te+-er @4, $%B. On 8e-r'ar 33, $%@, Loren9o and !etitioner Pa'(a L(orente 0#ereina*ter re*erred to as Pa'(a1 ere +arried -e*ore a !aris# !riest, Ro+an Cat#o(i" C#'r"#, in Na-'a, Ca+arines S'r. On Nove+-er @4, $%@, Loren9o as ad+itted to United States "iti9ens#i! and Certi*i"ate o* Nat'ra(i9ation No. BB%$ as iss'ed in #is *avor - t#e United States Distri"t Co'rt, So't#ern Distri"t o* Ne or/. He dis"overed t#at #is i*e Pa'(a as !re&nant and as (ivin& in and #avin& an ad'(tero's re(ations#i! it# #is -rot#er, Ce*erino L(orente. Loren9o ret'rned to t#e United States and on Nove+-er $, $%B$ *i(ed *or divor"e it# t#e S'!erior Co'rt o* t#e State o* Ca(i*ornia in and *or t#e Co'nt o* San Die&o. Pa'(a as re!resented - "o'nse(, )o#n Ri(e, and a"tive( !arti"i!ated in t#e !ro"eedin&s. On Nove+-er 3, $%B$, t#e S'!erior Co'rt o* t#e State o* Ca(i*ornia, *or t#e Co'nt o* San Die&o *o'nd a(( *a"t'a( a((e&ations to -e tr'e and iss'ed an inter(o"'tor 2'd&+ent o* divor"e. On )an'ar $, $%B, Loren9o +arried A(i"ia 8. L(orente in ani(a. A!!arent(, A(i"ia #ad no /no(ed&e o* t#e *irst +arria&e even i* t#e resided in t#e sa+e ton as Pa'(a, #o did not o!!ose t#e +arria&e or "o#a-itation. 8ro+ $%B to $%B, Loren9o and A(i"ia (ived to&et#er as #'s-and and i*e. T#eir tent6*ive 03B1 ear 'nion !rod'"ed t#ree "#i(dren, Ra'(, L'9 and 5ever(, a(( s'rna+ed L(orente. On ar"# $@, $%$, Loren9o e;e"'ted a Last Wi(( and Testa+ent. T#e i(( as notari9ed - Notar P'-(i" Sa(vador . O""iano, d'( si&ned - Loren9o it# attestin& itnesses 8ran"is"o H'&o, 8ran"is"o Nei-res and Tito Tra2ano. In t#e i((, Loren9o -e7'eat#ed a(( #is !ro!ert to A(i"ia and t#eir t#ree "#i(dren. ISSUE:

W#et#er or not t#e i(( as va(id= HELD:

T#e *a"t t#at t#e (ate Loren9o N. L(orente -e"a+e an A+eri"an "iti9en (on& -e*ore and at t#e ti+e o*> 0$1 #is divor"e *ro+ Pa'(a: 031 +arria&e to A(i"ia: 0@1 e;e"'tion o* #is i((: and 01 deat#, is d'( esta-(is#ed, ad+itted and 'ndis!'ted. T#'s, as a r'(e, iss'es arisin& *ro+ t#ese in"idents are ne"essari( &overned - *orei&n (a. T#e Civi( Code "(ear( !rovides> Art. $B. Las re(atin& to *a+i( ri&#ts and d'ties, or to t#e stat's, "ondition and (e&a( "a!a"it o* !ersons are binding upon citi*ens of the +hilippines, even t#o'&# (ivin& a-road. Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 103


Art. $. Rea( !ro!ert as e(( as !ersona( !ro!ert is s'-2e"t to t#e (a o* t#e "o'ntr #ere it is sit'ated.

T#e "(ear intent o* Loren9o to -e7'eat# #is !ro!ert to #is se"ond i*e and "#i(dren - #er is &(arin&( s#on in t#e i(( #e e;e"'ted. We do not is# to *r'strate #is is#es, sin"e #e as a *orei&ner, not "overed - o'r (as on *a+i( ri&#ts ri&#ts and d'ties, d'ties, stat's stat's,, "onditi "ondition on and (e&a( (e&a( "a!a"i "a!a"it t.. W#et#e W#et#err t#e i( i((( is intrinsi"a(( va(id and #o s#a(( in#erit *ro+ Loren9o are iss'es -est !roved - *orei&n (a #i"# +'st -e !(eaded and !roved. W#et#er t#e i(( as e;e"'ted in a""ordan"e it# t#e *or+a(ities re7'ired is ansered - re*errin& to P#i(i!!ine (a. In *a"t, t#e i(( as d'( !ro-ated.



G.R. No. 134+(

)cto*!r 3, '((3

REPU5LIC O8 THE PHILIPPINES, Petitioner, vs. CIPRIANO OR5ECIDO III, Res!ondent FACTS:

T#is "ase "on"erns t#e a!!(i"a-i(it o* Para&ra!# 3 o* Arti"(e 3 o* t#e 8a+i( Code to a +arria&e -eteen to 8i(i!ino "iti9ens #ere one o* t#e+ (ater a"7'ired a(ien "iti9ens#i!, o-tained a divor"e de"ree, and re+arried #i(e in t#e U.S.A. On a 3, $%$, Ci!riano Or-e"ido III +arried Lad ros . Qi((an'eva at t#e United C#'r"# o* C#rist o* t#e P#i(i!!ines P#i(i!!ines in La+6an, O9a+is O9a+is Cit. Cit. T#eir T#eir +arria&e as -(essed it# a son and a da'&#ter. In $%, Lad ros (e*t *or t#e United United States -rin&in& -rin&in& a(on& t#eir son. A *e ears (ater, Ci!riano dis"overed t#at #is i*e #ad -een nat'ra(i9ed as an A+eri"an "iti9en. So+et So+eti+ i+e e in 3444, 3444, Ci!ri Ci!riano ano (ear (earne ned d *ro+ *ro+ #is #is son t#at t#at #is #is i*e i*e #ad #ad o-tained a divor"e de"ree and t#en +arried an A+eri"an "iti9en. Ci!riano t#erea*ter *i(e it# t#e tria( "o'rt a !etition *or a't#orit to re+arr invo/in& invo/in& Para&ra!# Para&ra!# 3 o* Arti"(e Arti"(e 3 o* t#e 8a+i( Code. No o!!osition o!!osition as *i(e. T#e "o'rt &ranted t#e !etition. !etition. T#e Re!'-(i", #erein !etitioner, !etitioner, t#ro'&# t#e O**i"e o* t#e t#e So(i So(i"i "ito torr Gene Genera ra(( 0OSG 0OSG1, 1, so'&# so'&#tt re"on re"onsi side derat ratio ion n -'t -'t it as as deni denied ed.. T#erea*ter, it *i(ed !etition to t#e S'!re+e Co'rt raisin& a !'re 7'estion o* o * (a. ISSUE:

S#o'(d t#e res!ondent -e a((oed to re+arr 'nder Arti"(e 3 o* t#e 8a+i( Code= HELD:

es. Re"ords o* t#e !ro"eedin&s o* t#e 8a+i( Code de(i-erations s#oed t#at a""ordin& to )'d&e A(i"ia Se+!io6Di, a +e+-er o* t#e Civi( Code Revision Co++ittee, t#e intent o* Para&ra!# 3 o* Arti"(e 3, is to avoid t#e a-s'rd a-s' rd sit'ation #er #ere e t#e t#e 8i(i 8i(i!i !ino no s!o's s!o'se e re+a re+ains ins +arri +arried ed to t#e t#e a(ie a(ien n s!o'se s!o'se #o, #o, a*te a*ter r o-tainin& a divor"e, is no (on&er +arried to t#e 8i(i!ino s!o'se. T#'s, ta/in& into "onsideration t#is (e&is(ative intent and a!!(in& t#is r'(e o* reason, e #o(d t#at Para&ra!# 3 o* Arti"(e 3 s#o'(d -e inter!reted to in"('de "ases invo(vin& !arties #o, at t#e ti+e o* t#e "e(e-ration o* t#e +arria&e ere 8i(i!ino "iti9ens, -'t (ater on, one o* t#e+ -e"o+es nat'ra(i9ed as a *orei&n "iti9en and o-tains a divor"e de"ree. T#e 8i(i!ino s!o'se s#o'(d (i/eise -e a((oed to re+arr as i* t#e ot#er !art ere a *orei&ner at t#e ti+e o* t#e so(e+ni9ati so(e+ni9ation on o* t#e +arria&e. To r'(e ot#erise ot#erise o'(d -e to san"tion san"tion a-s'rdit a-s'rdit Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 105


and in2'sti"e. W#ere t#e inter!retation o* a stat'te a""ordin& to its e;a"t and (itera( i+!ort (eads to +is"#ievo's res'(ts or "ontravenes t#e "(ear !'r!ose o* t#e (e&is(at're, it s#o'(d -e "onstr'ed a""ordin& to its s!irit and reason, disre&ardin& as *ar as ne"essar t#e (etter o* t#e (a. A stat'te +a t#ere*ore -e e;tended to "ases not it#in t#e (itera( +eanin& o* its ter+s, so (on& as t#e "o+e it#in its s!irit or intent. In vie o* t#e *ore&oin&, e state t#e tin e(e+ents *or t#e a!!(i"ation o* Para&ra!# 3 o* Arti"(e 3 as *o((os> $. T#ere is a va(id +arria&e +arria&e t#at t#at #as -een -een "e(e-rated "e(e-rated -eteen -eteen a 8i(i!ino 8i(i!ino "iti9en and a *orei&ner: and 3.

A va(id divor"e is o-tained a-road - t#e a(ien s!o'se "a!a"itatin& #i+ or #er to re+arr.

T#e re"/onin& !oint is not t#e "iti9ens#i! o* t#e !arties at t#e ti+e o* t#e "e(e-rat "e(e-ration ion o* t#e +arria&e, +arria&e, -'t t#eir "iti9en "iti9ens#i! s#i! at the time a valid divorce is obtained abroad - - t#e a(ien s!o'se "a!a"itatin& t#e (atter to re+arr.



G.R. No. L/-+9

2#rc '+, 193-

In t#e atter o* t#e Ado!tion o* t#e inors Pa-(o Qas7'e9 Ernesto Qas7'e9, aria Lo'rdes Qas7'e9 and E(i9a-et# Prasni/. LEOPOLDO PRASNIK, Petitioner6A!!e((ee, vs. REPU5LIC O8 THE PHILIPPINES, O!!ositor6A!!e((ant. FACTS:

Leo!o(do Prasni/ *i(ed -e*ore t#e Co'rt o* 8irst Instan"e o* Ri9a( a !etition see/in& to ado!t Pa-(o Qas7'e9, Ernesto Qas7'e9, aria Lo'rdes Qas7'e9 and E(i9a-et# Prasni/ #o are t#e +inor "#i(dren o* Pa9 Qas7'e9. He "(ai+s t#at t#e are a(so #is "#i(dren -'t it#o't t#e -ene*it o* +arria&e and #e desires to ado!t t#e+ to !ro+ote t#eir -est interest and e((6-ein&. Sin"e t#e #earin& o* t#e !etition, !etitioner Leo!o(do Prasni/ *i(ed -e*ore t#e Co'rt o* 8irst Instan"e o* Ri9a( a !etition see/in& to ado!t Pa-(o Qas7'e9, Ernesto Qas7'e9, aria Lo'rdes Qas7'e9 and E(i9a-et# Prasni/ #o are t#e +inor "#i(dren o* Pa9 Qas7'e9. He "(ai+s t#at t#e are a(so #is "#i(dren -'t it#o't t#e -ene*it o* +arria&e and #e desires to ado!t t#e+ to !ro+ote t#eir -est interest and e((6 -ein&. Sin"e at t#e #earin& o* t#e !etition !etitioner a"/no(ed&ed t#at t#e are #is nat'ra( "#i(dren, t#e So(i"itor Genera( o!!osed t#e !etition on t#e !(ea t#at #e "o'(d not (e&a(( ado!t t#e+ *or t#e reason t#at Arti"(e @@ o* t#e ne Civi( Code #i"# a((os a nat'ra( "#i(d to -e ado!ted - #is nat'ra( *at#er re*ers on( to a "#i(d #o #as not -een a"/no(ed&ed as nat'ra( "#i(d. At *irst t#e "o'rt '!#e(d t#e o!!osition -'t, on a +otion *or re"onsideration, t#e "o'rt re"onsidered its de"ision and &ranted t#e !etition. Hen"e, t#is a!!ea(. Leo!o(do Prasni/ as *or+er( +arried to one Cat#erine Prasni/ -'t t#eir +arria&e as disso(ved - virt'e o* a de"ree o* divor"e iss'ed on De"e+-er $3, $% - t#e Cir"'it Co'rt o* ia+i, Dade Co'ntr, 8(orida, U.S.A. T#erea*ter, #e and Pa9 Qas7'e9 (ived to&et#er as #'s-and and i*e it#o't t#e -ene*it o* +arria&e and o't o* t#is re(ation *o'r "#i(dren ere -orn #o are t#e +inors #e is no see/in& to ado!t. He "(ai+s t#at it is #is intention to +arr Pa9 Qas7'e9 as soon as #e is &ranted P#i(i!!ine "iti9ens#i! *or #i"# #e #as a(read a!!(ied and in t#e +eanti+e #e ants to ado!t t#e+ in order t#at no one o* #is re(atives a-road "o'(d s#are in #is in#eritan"e. He averred t#at #e #ad no "#i(d it# #is *or+er i*e and a"/no(ed&ed said +inors as #is nat'ra( "#i(dren. ISSUE:

W#et#er or not t#e Civi( Code a((os *or t#e ado!tion o* a"/no(ed&ed nat'ra( "#i(dren o* t#e *at#er or +ot#er= HELD:

es. Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 107


Arti"(e @@ o* t#e ne Civi( Code evident( intends to a((o ado!tion o* a nat'ra( "#i(d #et#er t#e "#i(d -e re"o&ni9ed or not. I* t#e intention ere to a((o ado!tion on( to 'nre"o&ni9ed "#i(dren, t#en said arti"(e o'(d -e o* no 'se*'( !'r!ose -e"a'se s'"# "#i(dren "o'(d #ave -een va(id( ado!ted even it#o't it. T#is is so -e"a'se a nat'ra( "#i(d not re"o&ni9ed #as no ri&#t #atever and -ein& "onsidered (e&a(( a tota( stran&er to #is !arents, #e +a -e ado!ted 'nder Arti"(e @@. T#e sa+e "annot -e said it# re&ard to an a"/no(ed&ed nat'ra( "#i(d -e"a'se, #is *i(iation #avin& a(read -een esta-(is#ed, #is ado!tion "annot -e +ade 'nder t#e &enera( !rin"i!(es &overnin& ado!tion. T#ere is t#ere*ore need o* an e;!ress !rovision a((oin& t#e ado!tion o* an a"/no(ed&ed nat'ra( "#i(d as an e;"e!tion to t#e r'(e and t#at is #at is "onte+!(ated in Arti"(e @@. 8'rt#er+ore, t#e !ro#i-ition a&ainst a !erson #o #as an a"/no(ed&ed nat'ra( "#i(d to ado!t, !rovided in Arti"(e @@B o* t#e ne Civi( Code, re*ers to t#e ado!tion o* a +inor - a !erson #o #as a(read an a"/no(ed&ed nat'ra( "#i(d and it does not re*er to t#e ado!tion o* #is on "#i(dren even i* #e #as a"/no(ed&ed t#e+ as #is nat'ra( "#i(dren. It +a -e "ontended t#at t#e ado!tion o* an a"/no(ed&ed nat'ra( "#i(d is 'nne"essar -e"a'se t#ere a(read e;ists -eteen t#e *at#er and t#e "#i(dren t#e re(ation o* !aternit and *i(iation #i"# is !re"ise( t#e !'r!ose #i"# ado!tion see/s to a""o+!(is# t#ro'&# (e&a( *i"tion. 5't it s#o'(d -e -orne in +ind t#at t#e ri&#ts o* an a"/no(ed&ed nat'ra( "#i(d are +'"# (ess t#an t#ose o* a (e&iti+ate "#i(d and it is indeed to t#e &reat advanta&e o* t#e (atter i* #e -e &iven, even t#o'&# (e&a( *i"tion, a (e&iti+ate trend #i"# "onsiders ado!tion as an a"t not +ere( to esta-(is# t#e re(ation o* !aternit and *i(iation -'t one #i"# +a &ive t#e "#i(d a (e&iti+ate stat's.



G.R. No. L/-'94

Jun! ', 1934

In t#e +atter o* t#e ado!tion o* t#e +inor ARCIAL ELEUTARIO RESA5A. LUIS SANTOS6YIGO and LIGIA IGUEL DE SANTOS6YIGO, !etitioners6 a!!e((ees, vs. REPU5LIC O8 THE PHILIPPINES, o!!ositor6a!!e((ant. FACTS:

On )'ne 3, $%B3, a !etition as *i(ed in t#e Co'rt o* 8irst Instan"e o* Za+-oan&a - L'is Santos6i&o and #is i*e *or t#e ado!tion o* a +inor na+ed ar"ia(E(e'terioResa-a. It is a((e&ed t#at t#e (e&iti+ate !arents o* said +inor #ave &iven t#eir "onsent to t#e ado!tion in a do"'+ent #i"# as d'( si&ned - t#e+ on ar"# 34, $%B4, and t#at sin"e t#en !etitioners #ave reared and "ared *or t#e +inor as i* #e ere t#eir on. It is (i/eise a((e&ed t#at !etitioners are *inan"ia(( and +ora(( a-(e to -rin& '! and ed'"ate t#e +inor. 5 order o* t#e "o'rt, "o! o* t#e !etition as served on t#e So(i"itor Genera( #o, in d'e ti+e, *i(ed a ritten o!!osition on t#e &ro'nd t#at !etitioners #ave to (e&iti+ate "#i(dren, a -o and a &ir(, #o are sti(( +inors, and as s'"# t#e are dis7'a(i*ied to ado!t 'nder t#e !rovisions o* t#e ne Civi( Code. T#e "o'rt &ranted t#e !etition #o(din& t#at, #i(e !etitioners #ave to (e&iti+ate "#i(dren o* t#eir on, et said "#i(dren ere -orn a*ter t#e a&ree+ent *or ado!tion as e;e"'ted - !etitioners and t#e !arents o* t#e +inor. T#e "o'rt *o'nd t#at said a&ree+ent as e;e"'ted -e*ore t#e ne Civi( Code ent into e**e"t and #i(e t#e !etition +a not -e &ranted 'nder t#is ne Code, it +a -e san"tioned 'nder t#e o(d -e"a'se it "ontains no !rovision #i"# !ro#i-its ado!tion in t#e *or+ and +anner a&reed '!on - t#e !arties. 8ro+ t#is de"ision, t#e So(i"itor Genera( too/ t#e !resent a!!ea(. ISSUE:

$. Has t#e (oer "o'rt erred in &rantin& t#e !etition to ado!t in vio(ation o* t#e !rovisions o* !ara&ra!# $, arti"(e @@B o* t#e ne Civi( Code= 3. Has t#e (oer "o'rt erred in &ivin& E;#i-it A, t#e a&ree+ent to ado!t, a -indin& e**e"t= RULING:

W#i(e t#e ado!tion a&ree+ent as e;e"'ted at t#e ti+e #en t#e (a a!!(i"a-(e to ado!tion is R'(e $44 o* t#e R'(es o* Co'rt #i"# does not !ro#i-it !ersons #o #ave (e&iti+ate "#i(dren *ro+ ado!tin&, e "annot a&ree to t#e !ro!osition t#at s'"# a&ree+ent #as t#e e**e"t o* esta-(is#in& t#e re(ation o* !aternit and *i(iation - *i"tion o* (a it#o't t#e san"tion o* "o'rt. T#e reason is si+!(e. R'(e $44 #as ta/en t#e !(a"e o* C#a!ter LI o* t#e Code o* Civi( Pro"ed're 0se"tions B63, in"('sive1, #i"# in t'rn re!(a"ed t#e !rovisions o* t#e S!anis# Civi( Code on ado!tion. 0Arti"(es $@6$4.1 As as stated in one "ase, said "#a!ter o* t#e Code o* Civi( Pro"ed're a!!ears to -e a "o+!(ete ena"t+ent on t#e s'-2e"t o* ado!tion, and +a t#'s -e re&arded as t#e Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 109


e;!ression o* t#e #o(e (a t#ereo*. So vieed, t#at "#a!ter +'st -e dee+ed to #ave re!ea(ed t#e !rovisions o* t#e Civi( Code. On t#e +atter re&ardin& t#e 0 ,n re ado!tion o* E+i(iano G'9+an, @ P#i(., B$.1,Se"tion $ o* said r'(e e;!ress( !rovides t#at a !erson desirin& to ado!t a +inor shall !resent a !etition to t#e "o'rt o* *irst instan"e o* t#e !rovin"e #ere #e resides. T#is +eans t#at t#e on( va(id ado!tion in t#is 2'risdi"tion is t#at one +ade t#ro'&# "o'rt, or in !'rs'an"e o* t#e !ro"ed're (aid don - t#e r'(e, #i"# s#os t#at t#e a&ree+ent 'nder "onsideration "annot #ave t#e e**e"t o* ado!tion as no !retended - !etitioners. XNotit#standin& t#e ena"t+ent o* t#e Code o* Civi( Pro"ed're or t#e ado!tion o* t#e !resent R'(es o* Co'rt "on"ernin& ado!tion, t#ose !rovisions o* t#e S!anis# Civi( Code t#at are s'-stantive in nat're "annot -e "onsidered as #avin& -een i+!(ied( re!ea(ed, s'"# as t#e one !rovidin& t#at a !erson #o #as a (e&iti+ate "#i(d is !ro#i-ited to ado!t 0arti"(e 1. T#e order a!!ea(ed *ro+ is set aside, it#o't !rono'n"e+ent as to "osts.



G.R. No. 94147

Jun! , 1994

REPU5LIC O8 THE PHILIPPINES, !etitioner, vs. HONORA5LE RODOL8O TOLEDANO, in #is "a!a"it as Presidin& )'d&e o* t#e Re&iona( Tria( Co'rt, T#ird )'di"ia( Re&ion, 5ran"# %, I-a, Za+-a(es and SPOUSES ALQIN A. CLOUSE and EQELN A. CLOUSE, res!ondents. FACTS:

On 8e-r'ar 3$, $%%4 A(vin C(o'se, a nat'ra( -orn "iti9en o* A+eri"a and #is Wi*e, Eve(n A C(a'se, 8i(i!ino at -irt# #o (ater -e"a+e a nat'ra( "iti9en o* t#e United States !etition to ado!t So(o+on )ose!# A("a(a. On )'ne 34, $%%4 t#e 2'd&e de"ree said 8i(i!ino +inor -e t#eir "#i(d - ado!tion. Re!'-(i" o* t#e P#i(i!!ines, t#e !etitioner #ere, a!!ea(ed t#at t#e (oer "o'rt erred in &rantin& t#e !etition *or ado!tion *or t#e s!o'ses are not 7'a(i*ied to ado!t 'nder t#e P#i(i!!ine La. ISSUE:

W#et#er or not t#e s!o'ses A(vin and Eve(n C(o'se -ein& an a(ien are dis7'a(i*ied to ado!t 'nder t#e P#i(i!!ine (a= HELD:

es. T#e s!o'ses are dis7'a(i*ied to ado!t t#e 8i(i!ino "#i(d So(o+on. Arti"(e $, !ara&ra!# 0@1 o* E;e"'tive Order No. 34% e;!ress( en'+erates t#e !ersons #o are not 7'a(i*ied to ado!t, vi9> An a(ien, e;"e!t> 0a1 A *or+er 8i(i!ino "iti9en #o see/s to ado!t a re(ative - "onsan&'init: 0-1 One #o see/s to ado!t t#e (e&iti+ate "#i(d o* #is or #er 8i(i!ino s!o'se: or 0"1 One #o is +arried to a 8i(i!ino "iti9en and see/s to ado!t 2oint( t#e (ater.

A(vin C(a'se is not 7'a(i*ied -ein& a nat'ra( -orn "iti9en o* t#e United States o* A+eri"a. On t#e ot#er #and Eve(n C(o'se +a see+ to -e 7'a(i*ied on Arti"(e $, #oever ado!tion "annot -e &ranted in #er *avor a(one *or t#e 8a+i( Code re7'ires t#at t#e #'s-and and i*e +'st 2oint( ado!t as stated on Arti"(e $B.



G.R. No. L/4+933/3-

Ju0 +(, 1979

RENATO LAZATIN a(ias RENATO STA. CLARA, !etitioner, vs. HONORA5LE )UDGE )OSE C. CAPOS, )R., NORA L. DE LEON, 5ERNARDO DE LEON, ARLENE DE LEON and IRA L. QELOSO, res!ondents. FACTS:

Dr. ariano . La9atin died intestate in Pasa Cit, s'rvived - #is i*e, ar&arita de Asis, and #is ado!ted tin da'&#ters, res!ondent Nora L. de Leon and res!ondent Ir+a La9atin. One +ont# a*ter ariano

dis"ontin'ed t#e #earin& and &ave t#e !arties ti+e to *i(e +e+oranda on t#e 7'estion o* t#e ad+issi-i(it o* t#e eviden"e so'&#t to -e introd'"ed - !etitioner. Res!ondent "o'rt, r'(in& on !etitioner As *ar as t#e "ase o* Renato Sta. C(ara is "on"erned and #is Petition to esta-(is# #is stat's as an ado!ted "#i(d, t#e Co'rt #as r'(ed t#at #e #as *ai(ed to esta-(is# s'"# stat's. T#e Co'rt denies an +otion *or re"onsideration 'n(ess -ased on so+e do"'+entar !roo*. ISSUE:

W#et#er or not Renato #as esta-(is#ed #is stat's as an ado!ted "#i(d and is a((oed to intervene in t#e !ro"eedin& *or t#e sett(e+ent o* t#e estate= RULING:

We *ind t#e r'(in& o* t#e res!ondent "o'rt to -e in "on*or+it it# (a and 2'ris!r'den"e. On( an ado!tion +ade t#ro'&# t#e "o'rt, or in !'rs'an"e it# t#e !ro"ed're (aid don 'nder R'(e %% o* t#e R'(es o* Co'rt is va(id in t#is 2'risdi"tion. T#e a-sen"e o* a re"ord o* ado!tion #as -een said to evo(ve a !res'+!tion o* its non6e;isten"e. W#ere, 'nder t#e !rovisions o* t#e stat'te, an ado!tion is e**e"ted - a "o'rt order, t#e re"ords o* s'"# "o'rt "onstit'te t#e eviden"e - #i"# s'"# ado!tion +a -e esta-(is#ed. T#e a-sen"e o* !roo* o* s'"# order o* ado!tion - t#e "o'rt, as !rovided - t#e stat'te, "annot -e s'-stit'ted - !aro( eviden"e t#at a "#i(d #as (ived it# a !erson, not #is !arent, and #as -een treated as a "#i(d to esta-(is# s'"# ado!tion. Wit#a(, t#e atte+!ts o* !etitioner to !rove #is ado!tion - a"ts and de"(arations o* t#e de"eased do not dis"#ar&e t#e +andator !resentation o* t#e 2'di"ia( de"ree o* ado!tion. T#e t#r'st o* !etitionerJs eviden"e is rat#er to esta-(is# #is stat's as an ad+itted i((e&iti+ate "#i(d, not an ado!ted "#i(d #i"# stat's o* an ad+itted i((e&iti+ate "#i(d as  t#e ver -asis o* #is !etitioner *or intervention in t#e estate !ro"eedin&s o* t#e (ate Dr. La9atin, as a-ove stated. Se"ondar eviden"e is nonet#e(ess ad+issi-(e #ere t#e re"ords o* ado!tion !ro"eedin&s ere a"t'a(( (ost or destroed. 5't, !rior to t#e introd'"tion o* s'"# se"ondar eviden"e, t#e !ro!onent +'st esta-(is# t#e *or+er e;isten"e o* t#e instr'+ent. As ear(ier !ointed o't, !etitioner *ai(ed to esta-(is# t#e *or+er e;isten"e o* t#e ado!tion !a!er and its s'-se7'ent (oss or destr'"tion. Se"ondar !roo* +a on( -e introd'"ed i* it #as *irst -een esta-(is#ed t#at s'"# ado!tion !a!er rea(( e;isted and as (ost. T#is is indis!ensa-(e. I* ado!tion as rea(( +ade, t#e re"ords t#ereo* s#o'(d #ave e;isted and t#e sa+e !resented at t#e #earin& or s'-se7'ent t#ereto or a reasona-(e e;!(anation o* (oss or destr'"tion t#ereo*, i* t#at -e t#e "ase, add'"ed. As a ne"essar "onse7'en"e, !etitioner Renato La9atin a(ias Renato Sta. C(ara "annot !ro!er( intervene in t#e sett(e+ent o* t#e estate o* ar&arita de Asis as an ado!ted "#i(d -e"a'se o* (a"/ o* !roo* t#ereo*. 8or one to intervene in Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 113


an estate !ro"eedin&, it is a re7'isite t#at #e #as an interest in t#e estate, eit#er as one #o o'(d -e -ene*ited as an #eir or one #o #as a "(ai+ a&ainst t#e estate (i/e a "reditor. A "#i(d - ado!tion "annot in#erit *ro+ t#e !arent "reditor - ado!tion 'n(ess t#e a"t o* ado!tion #as -een done in stri"t a""ord it# t#e stat'e. Unti( t#is is done, no ri&#ts are a"7'ired - t#e "#i(d and neit#er t#e s'!!osed ado!tin& !arent nor ado!ted "#i(d "o'(d -e -o'nd t#ere-. T#e -'rden o* !roo* in esta-(is#in& ado!tion is '!on t#e !erson "(ai+in& s'"# re(ations#i!. He +'st !rove "o+!(ian"e it# t#e stat'tes re(atin& to ado!tion in t#e 2'risdi"tion #ere t#e ado!tion o""'rred. We #o(d t#at no &rave a-'se o* dis"retion nor error o* (a as "o++itted - res!ondent 2'd&e in iss'in& t#e 7'estioned orders o* ar"# , $%, ar"# 3, $% and )'ne @, $% denin& !etitionerJs !etition to de"(are as esta-(is#ed in t#is !ro"eedin& t#e *a"t o* ado!tion and denin& an +otion *or re"onsideration 'n(ess -ased on so+e do"'+entar !roo*. T#e Co'rt *inds no -asis to &rant t#e a**ir+ative re(ie* so'&#t in t#is !ro"eedin& - !etitioner *or a rendition o* 2'd&+ent de"(arin& as esta-(is#ed t#e *a"t o* o'r !etitionerJs ado!tion as a son o* t#e de"eased s!o'ses entit(in& #i+ to s'""eed in t#eir estates as s'"# in a""ordan"e it# t#e a!!(i"a-(e (a on s'""ession as to #is in#eritan"e.



G.R. No. 9'+'-

J#nu#r '4, 199'

REPU5LIC O8 THE PHILIPPINES, !etitioner, vs. COURT O8 APPEALS and ZENAIDA C. 5O5ILES, res!ondents.

FACTS:

Zenaida Corte9a 5o-i(es *i(ed a !etition to ado!t )ason Condat, t#en si; ears o(d and #o #ad -een (ivin& it# #er *a+i( sin"e #e as *o'r +ont#s o(d. T#e "o'rt a 7'o, *indin& t#e !etition to -e s'**i"ient in *or+ and s'-stan"e, iss'ed an order settin& t#e !etition *or #earin& and s'-se7'ent( &ranted t#e !etition *or ado!tion. T#e !etition as *i(ed - !rivate res!ondent Zenaida C. 5o-i(es on 8e-r'ar 3, $%, #en t#e (a a!!(i"a-(e as Presidentia( De"ree No. 4@, t#e C#i(d and o't# We(*are Code. Under t#e said "ode, a !etition *or ado!tion +a -e *i(ed - eit#er o* t#e s!o'ses or - -ot# o* t#e+. Hoever, a*ter t#e tria( "o'rt rendered its de"ision and #i(e t#e "ase as !endin& on a!!ea( in t#e Co'rt o* A!!ea(s, E;e"'tive Order No. 34%, t#e 8a+i( Code, too/ e**e"t on A'&'st @, $%. Under t#e said ne (a, 2oint ado!tion - #'s-and and i*e is +andator. On t#e *ore&oin& "onsideration, !etitioner "ontends t#at t#e !etition *or ado!tion s#o'(d -e dis+issed o'tri&#t *or it as *i(ed so(e( - !rivate res!ondent it#o't 2oinin& #er #'s-and, in vio(ation o* Arti"(e $B o* t#e 8a+i( Code #i"# re7'ires 2oint ado!tion - t#e s!o'ses. It ar&'es t#at t#e 8a+i( Code +'st -e a!!(ied retroa"tive( to t#e !etition *i(ed - rs. 5o-i(es, as t#e (atter did not a"7'ire a vested ri&#t to ado!t )ason Condat - t#e +ere *i(in& o* #er !etition *or ado!tion. ISSUE:

Did t#e Co'rt o* A!!ea(s err in a**ir+in& t#e tria( "o'rtJs de"ision #i"# &ranted t#e !etition to ado!t )ason Condat in *avor o* s!o'ses 5o-i(es= HELD:

No. Arti"(e 3 o* t#e 8a+i( Code !rovides *or retroa"tive e**e"t o* a!!ro!riate re(evant !rovisions t#ereo*, s'-2e"t to t#e 7'a(i*i"ation t#at s'"# retros!e"tive a!!(i"ation i(( not !re2'di"e or i+!air vested or a"7'ired ri&#ts in a""ordan"e it# t#e Civi( Code or ot#er (as. A vested ri&#t is one #ose e;isten"e, e**e"tivit and e;tent does not de!end '!on events *orei&n to t#e i(( o* t#e #o(der. W#en rs. 5o-i(es *i(ed #er !etition, s#e as e;er"isin& #er e;!(i"it and 'n"onditiona( ri&#t 'nder said (a. U!on #er *i(in& t#ereo*, #er ri&#t to *i(e s'"# !etition a(one and to #ave t#e sa+e !ro"eed to *ina( ad2'di"ation, in a""ordan"e it# t#e (a in *or"e at t#e ti+e, as a(read vested and "annot -e !re2'di"ed or i+!aired - t#e ena"t+ent o* a ne (a. Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 115


T#e error assi&ned - !etitioner arrants a revie o* a!!(i"a-(e (o"a( and *orei&n 2'ris!r'den"e. 8or t#at !'r!ose, e start it# t#e !re+ise t#at Arti"(e $B o* t#e 8a+i( Code is re+edia( in nat're. Pro"ed'ra( stat'tes are ordinari( a""orded a retros!e"tive "onstr'"tion in t#e sense t#at t#e +a -e a!!(ied to !endin& a"tions and !ro"eedin&s, as e(( as to *'t're a"tions. Hoever, t#e i(( not -e so a!!(ied as to de*eat !ro"ed'ra( ste!s "o+!(eted -e*ore t#eir ena"t+ent. A !etition "annot -e dis+issed - reason o* *ai('re to "o+!( it# a (a #i"# as not et in *or"e and e**e"t at t#e ti+e. As (on& as t#e !etition *or ado!tion as s'**i"ient in *or+ and s'-stan"e and is in a""ordan"e it# t#e (a in &overnan"e at t#e ti+e it as *i(ed, t#e "o'rt a"7'ires 2'risdi"tion and retains it 'nti( it *'(( dis!oses o* t#e "ase. To re!eat, t#e 2'risdi"tion o* t#e "o'rt is deter+ined - t#e stat'te in *or"e at t#e ti+e o* t#e "o++en"e+ent o* t#e a"tion. We see no reason # t#e *o((oin& do"trines in A+eri"an (a s#o'(d not a!!( to t#is "ase and, *or t#at +atter, in o'r 2'risdi"tion. It is a sett(ed r'(e t#erein t#at ado!tion stat'tes, as e(( as +atters o* !ro"ed're (eadin& '! to ado!tion, s#o'(d -e (i-era(( "onstr'ed to "arr o't t#e -ene*i"ent !'r!oses o* t#e ado!tion instit'tion and to !rote"t t#e ado!ted "#i(d in t#e ri&#ts and !rivi(e&es "o+in& to it as a res'(t o* t#e ado!tion. In t#e "ase at -ar, t#e ri&#ts "on"o+itant to and "on*erred - t#e de"ree o* ado!tion i(( -e *or t#e -est interests o* t#e "#i(d. His ado!tion is it# t#e "onsent o* #is nat'ra( !arents. T#e re!resentative o* t#e De!art+ent o* So"ia( We(*are and Deve(o!+ent 'n7'a(i*ied( re"o++ended t#e a!!rova( o* t#e !etition *or ado!tion and t#e tria( "o'rt dis!ensed it# t#e tria( "'stod *or severa( "o++endator reasons, es!e"ia(( sin"e t#e "#i(d #ad -een (ivin& it# t#e ado!tin& !arents sin"e in*an". 8'rt#er, t#e said !etition as it# t#e sorn ritten "onsent o* t#e "#i(dren o* t#e ado!ters.



G.R. No. L/'1931

No!&*!r '7, 19-4

IN THE ATTER O8 THE PETITION O8 THE INOR CHARLES )OSEPH 5LANCA8LOR WEEKS. UGGI LINDAAND THERKELSEN and ERLINDA G. 5LANCA8LOR, !etitioners6a!!e((ants, vs. REPU5LIC O8 THE PHILIPPINES, res!ondent6a!!e((ee. FACTS:

T#e !etitioners in t#e ado!tion !ro"eedin& are #'s-and and i*e +arried on )'ne 3, $%3. T#e +inor so'&#t to -e ado!ted as -orn on 8e-r'ar $, $%4 and t#e nat'ra( "#i(d o* !etitioner i*e #o #as -een (ivin& it# t#e+ ever sin"e t#e +arria&e o* !etitioners. Petitioner #'s-and is a Danis# s'-2e"t, #o #as -een &ranted !er+anent residen"e in t#e P#i(i!!ines and #as treated t#e +inor as #is son, and t#e (atter "a((s #i+ Dadd. A(t#o'&# t#e !ossi-i(it e;ists t#at !etitioners +a et #ave t#eir on "#i(dren, t#e ado!tion at t#is ti+e, -e*ore an s'"# "#i(dren are -e&otten, +a stren&t#en, rat#er t#an disr'!t, *'t're do+esti" re(ations. T#e "o'rt a quo 0ani(a )'veni(e and Do+esti" Re(ations Co'rt1 denied t#e a!!(i"ation *or ado!tion o* t#e +inor C#ar(es )ose!# 5(an"a*(or Wee/s -e"a'se t#e sa+e o'(d not res'(t in t#e (oss o* t#e +inorJs 8i(i!ino "iti9ens#i! and t#e a"7'isition - #i+ o* t#e "iti9ens#i! o* #is ado!ter. It stated t#at, an a(ien "annot ado!t a 8i(i!ino 'n(ess t#e ado!tion o'(d +a/e t#e 8i(i!ino +inor a "iti9en o* t#e a(ienJs "o'ntr. As !etitioner #'s-and in t#is "ase is a Danis# s'-2e"t, it #as to -e #e(d t#at #e "annot (e&a(( ado!t t#e +inor C#ar(es )ose!# 5(an"a*(or Wee/s, #ose "iti9ens#i! is o* t#is "o'ntr, *o((oin& t#at o* #is nat'ra( +ot#er. T#'s, t#is a!!ea(. ISSUE:

S#o'(d ado!tion res'(t in t#e a"7'isition, - t#e !erson ado!ted, o* t#e a(ien "iti9ens#i! o* t#e ado!tin& !arent= RULING>

No. T#e "riterion ado!ted - t#e Co'rt a quo o'(d de+and as a "ondition *or t#e a!!rova( o* t#e ado!tion t#at t#e !ro"ess s#o'(d res'(t in t#e a"7'isition, - t#e !erson ado!ted, o* t#e a(ien "iti9ens#i! o* t#e ado!tin& !arent. T#is *inds no s'!!ort in t#e (a. T#e 2'd&+ent a!!ea(ed *ro+ o'(d o!erate to i+!ose a *'rt#er !rere7'isite on ado!tions - a(iens -eond t#ose re7'ired - (a. As !ointed o't - t#e So(i"itor Genera( in #is -rie*, t#e !resent Civi( Code in *or"e 0Arti"(e @@B1 on( dis7'a(i*ies *ro+ -ein& ado!ters t#ose a(iens t#at are eit#er 0a1 non6residents or 0-1 #o are residents -'t t#e Re!'-(i" o* t#e P#i(i!!ines #as Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 117


-ro/en di!(o+ati" re(ations it# t#eir &overn+ent. O'tside o* t#ese to "ases, #0i!n#%! * its!0" #0on! do!s not dis>u#0i" # "or!i%n!r "ro& #do5tin% # 5!rson und!r our 0#$ . Petitioners ad+itted( do not *a(( in eit#er "(ass.

T#e citi?!nsi5 o" t! #do5t!r is # &#tt!r 5o0itic#0, #nd not cii0, in n#tur!, and t#e as in #i"# it s#o'(d -e "on*erred (a o'tside t#e a+-it o* t#e Civi( Code. It is not $itin t! 5roinc! o" our cii0 0#$ to d!t!r&in! o$ or $!n citi?!nsi5 in # "or!i%n st#t! is to *! #c>uir!d . T#e disa!!rova( o* t#e ado!tion o* an a(ien "#i(d in order to *oresta(( "ir"'+vention o* o'r e;"('sion (as does not arrant, denia( o* t#e ado!tion o* a 8i(i!ino +inor - 7'a(i*ied a(ien ado!tin& !arents, sin"e it is not s#on t#at o'r !'-(i" !o(i" o'(d -e t#ere- s'-verted. Petition &ranted.



G.R. No. L/'4((-

No!&*!r '3, 19-7

)OSE8INA )UANA DE DIOS RAIREZ ARCAIDA, !etitioner6a!!e((ant, vs. LEONCIO Q. AGLU5AT, in #is "a!a"it as De!'t Lo"a( Civi( Re&istrar o* ani(a, res!ondent6a!!e((ee. FACTS:

aria Garnier Garrea' 0aria1, t#en a&ed B, *i(ed an a!!(i"ation *or ado!tion o* )ose*ina )'ana de Dios Ra+ire9 ar"aida 0)ose*ina1, a&ed BB, a 8i(i!ino "iti9en, at t#e Co'rt o* 8irst Instan"e o* adrid, S!ain, #ere -ot# ere residin& at t#at ti+e. On t#at date, O"to-er 3$, $%B, t#e "o'rt &ranted t#e a!!(i"ation *or ado!tion and &ave t#e ne"essar 2'di"ia( a't#orit, on"e t#e 2'd&+ent -e"o+es *ina(, to e;e"'te t#e "orres!ondin& ado!tion do"'+ent "on arre&(o a( arti"'(o $ de( Codi&o Civi(. T#e ado!tion do"'+ent -e"a+e ne"essar *or t#e reason t#at 'nder Arti"(e $ o* t#e Civi( Code o* S!ain, a!ro-ada de*initiva+ente (a ado!"ion !or e( )'e9, se otor&ara es"rit'ra, e;!resando en e((a (as "ondi"iones "on 7'e se #aa #e"#o,  se ins"ri-ira en e( Re&istro Civi( "orres!ondiente. In "o+!(ian"e t#ereo*, on Nove+-er 3%, $%B, t#e notaria( do"'+ent o* ado!tion  #i"# e+-odies t#e "o'rt order o* ado!tion, as e;e"'ted -e*ore Notar P'-(i" 5ra'(io Qe(as"o Carras7'edo o* adrid. In t#at do"'+ent, aria instit'ted !etitioner, a+on&st ot#er "onditions as #ere 'ni"a  'niversa( #eredera de todos s's -ienes, dere"#os  a""iones, !resentes  *'t'ros. In "on*or+it it# o'r (a, t#is es"rit'ra de ado!"ion as a't#enti"ated - E+i(io S. artine9, P#i(i!!ine Qi"e Cons'(, P#i(i!!ine E+-ass, adrid, #o iss'ed t#e "orres!ondin& "erti*i"ate o* a't#enti"ation. T#e do"'+ent o* ado!tion as *i(ed in t#e O**i"e o* t#e Lo"a( Civi( Re&istrar o* ani(a on )an'ar $B, $%B%. Hoever, t#e re&istrar re*'sed to re&ister t#at do"'+ent '!on t#e &ro'nd t#at 'nder P#i(i!!ine (a, ado!tion "an on( -e #ad t#ro'&# 2'di"ia( !ro"eedin&. And sin"e t#e notaria( do"'+ent o* ado!tion is not a 2'di"ia( !ro"eedin&, it is not entit(ed to re&istration. Petitioner ent to t#e Co'rt o* 8irst Instan"e o* ani(a on +anda+'s. As adverted to ear(ier, t#e +anda+'s !etition did not !ros!er. T#e (oer "o'rt in its de"ision o* 8e-r'ar 3, $%, dis+issed said !etition. ISSUE:

S#o'(d t#e order o* ado!tion iss'ed - t#e Co'rt o* 8irst Instan"e o* adrid -e re&istered in t#e P#i(i!!ines= Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 119


RULING:

Private internationa( (a o**ers no o-sta"(e to re"o&nition o* *orei&n ado!tion. T#is rests on t#e !rin"i!(e t#at t#e stat's o* ado!tion, "reated - t#e (a o* a State #avin& 2'risdi"tion to "reate it, i(( -e &iven t#e sa+e e**e"t in anot#er state as is &iven - t#e (atter state to t#e stat's o* ado!tion #en "reated - its on (a. It is 7'ite o-vio's t#en t#at t#e stat's o* ado!tion, on"e "reated 'nder t#e !ro!er *orei&n (a, i(( -e re"o&ni9ed in t#is "o'ntr, e;"e!t #ere !'-(i" !o(i" or t#e interests o* its in#a-itants *or-id its en*or"e+ent and de+and t#e s'-stit'tion o* t#e (e; *ori. At an rate, #atever +a -e t#e e**e"t o* ado!tion, t#e ri&#ts o* t#e State and ado!tee and ot#er !ersons interested are *'(( sa*e&'arded - Arti"(e $B o* o'r Civi( Code #i"#, in ter+s e;!(i"it, !rovides t#at> Las re(atin& to *a+i( ri&#ts and d'ties, or to t#e stat's, "ondition and (e&a( "a!a"it o* !ersons are -indin& '!on "iti9ens o* t#e P#i(i!!ines even t#o'&# (ivin& a-road. It is #i&# ti+e *or t#is Co'rt to *or+'(ate a r'(e on t#e re&istration o* *orei&n ado!tions. We #o(d t#at an ado!tion "reated 'nder t#e (a o* a *orei&n "o'ntr is entit(ed to re&istration in t#e "orres!ondin& "ivi( re&ister o* t#e P#i(i!!ines. It is to -e 'nderstood, #oever, t#at t#e e**e"ts o* s'"# ado!tion s#a(( -e &overned - t#e (as o* t#is "o'ntr.



G.R. No. L/34(3

J#nu#r +1, 193-

ERNESTO  GUQERA, Petitioner, vs. ROSARIO GUEQARA and PEDRO C. UINTO, Res!ondents. FACTS:

On A'&'st 3, $%@$, Qi"torino L. G'evara 0Qi"toriano1, a resident o* 5aa+-an&, Pan&asinan, e;e"'ted a i((, distri-'tin& assorted +ova-(es and a residentia( (ot a+on& #is "#i(dren. To #is se"ond i*e, t#e testator -e7'eat#ed a+on& ot#ers a !ortion o* 3B #e"tares to -e ta/en o't o* a 3B% odd #e"tare !ar"e(, !('s anot#er *ive 0B1 #e"tares in sett(e+ent o* #ere ido $44 #e"tares reserved *or dis!osa( d'rin& t#e testator

Ernesto G'evara a!!eared and o!!osed t#e !ro-ate. Pedro L. 'into, "o'nse( *or Rosario in t#e *or+er (iti&ation, as a((oed to intervene in vie o* #is d'( re"orded attorne
Is t#e !etition *or !ro-ate o* a i(( -arred - t#e Stat'te o* Li+itations= HELD:

No. T#e !rovision o* Arti"(e B o* t#e o(d Civi( Code 0$43 o* t#e Ne1 and o* R'(e  o* t#e R'(es o* Co'rt, reiteratin& t#ose o* t#e o(d Code o* Civi( Pro"ed're 0A"t $%41, !oint o't t#at t#e !resentation o* a de"edent

!ro-ate o* t#e i(( and !'-(i" !o(i" re7'ires it, -e"a'se 'n(ess t#e i(( is !ro-ated and noti"e t#ereo* is &iven to t#e #o(e or(d, t#e ri&#t o* a !erson to dis!ose o* #is !ro!ert - i((, +a -e rendered n'&ator, as is atte+!ted to -e done in t#e instant "ase. A-sent (e&atees and devisees, or s'"# o* t#e+ as +a #ave no /no(ed&e o* t#e i((, "o'(d -e "#eated o* t#eir in#eritan"e t#r' t#e "o(('sion o* so+e o* t#e #eirs #o +i&#t a&ree to t#e !artition o* t#e estate a+on& t#e+se(ves to t#e e;"('sion o* ot#ers. Even i* t#e de"edent (e*t no de-ts and no-od raises an 7'estion as to t#e i((


G.R. No. 7-714

Jun! ', 1994

SALUD TEODORO QDA. DE PEREZ, !etitioner, vs. HON. ZOTICO A. TOLETE in #is "a!a"it as Presidin& )'d&e, 5ran"# $, RTC, 5'(a"an, res!ondent. FACTS:

Dr. )ose C'nanan and #is i*e, Dr. Eve(n Pere96C'nanan, #o -e"a+e A+eri"an "iti9ens and residents o* Ne or/, ea"# e;e"'ted a i(( a(so in Ne or/, "ontainin& !rovisions on !res'+!tion o* s'rvivors#i! t#is +eans t#at in t#e event t#at it is not /non #i"# one o* t#e s!o'ses died *irst, t#e #'s-and s#a(( -e !res'+ed to #ave !rede"eased #is i*e. Later, t#e entire *a+i( !eris#ed in a *ire t#at &'tted t#eir #o+e. T#'s, Ra*ae(, #o as na+ed tr'stee in )ose
W#et#er or not it as ne"essar to !rove t#e *orei&n (a. HELD:

T#e eviden"e ne"essar *or t#e re!ro-ate or a((oan"e o* i((s #i"# #ave -een !ro-ated o'tside o* t#e P#i(i!!ines are as *o((os> 0$1 t#e d'e e;e"'tion o* t#e i(( in a""ordan"e it# t#e *orei&n (as: 031 t#e testator #as #is do+i"i(e in t#e *orei&n "o'ntr and not in t#e P#i(i!!ines: 0@1 t#e i(( #as -een ad+itted to !ro-ate in s'"# "o'ntr: 01 t#e *a"t t#at t#e *orei&n tri-'na( is a !ro-ate "o'rt, and 0B1 t#e (as o* a *orei&n "o'ntr on !ro"ed're and a((oan"e o* i((s. E;"e!t *or t#e *irst and (ast re7'ire+ents, t#e !etitioner s'-+itted a(( t#e needed eviden"e. T#e ne"essit o* !resentin& eviden"e on t#e *orei&n (as '!on #i"# t#e !ro-ate in t#e *orei&n "o'ntr is -ased is i+!e((ed - t#e *a"t t#at o'r "o'rts "annot ta/e 2'di"ia( noti"e o* t#e+. Petitioner +'st #ave !er"eived t#e o+ission o* t#e *i*t# re7'ire+ent a-ove as in *a"t s#e +oved *or +ore ti+e to s'-+it t#e !ertinent !ro"ed'ra( and s'-stantive Ne or/ (as -'t #i"# re7'est res!ondent )'d&e 2'st &(ossed Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 124


over. W#i(e t#e !ro-ate o* a i(( is a s!e"ia( !ro"eedin& #erein "o'rts s#o'(d re(a; t#e r'(es on eviden"e, t#e &oa( is to re"eive t#e -est eviden"e o* #i"# t#e +atter is s's"e!ti-(e -e*ore a !'r!orted i(( is !ro-ated or denied !ro-ate. Res!ondent )'d&e as ordered to &ive t#e !etitioner a reasona-(e ti+e it#in #i"# to s'-+it eviden"e.



G.R. No. L/4'7(

J#nu#r 17, 19+-

ANILA GAS CORPORATION, !(ainti**6a!!e((ant, vs. THE COLLECTOR O8 INTERNAL REQENUE, de*endant6a!!e((ee. FACTS:

T#e !(ainti** is a "or!oration t#at o!erates a &as !(ant in t#e Cit o* ani(a and *'rnis#es &as servi"e to t#e !eo!(e o* t#e +etro!o(is and s'rro'ndin& +'ni"i!a(ities - virt'e o* a *ran"#ise &ranted to it - t#e P#i(i!!ine Govern+ent. Asso"iated it# t#e !(ainti** are t#e Is(ands Gas and E(e"tri" Co+!an do+i"i(ed in Ne or/, United States, and t#e Genera( 8inan"e Co+!an do+i"i(ed in Z'ri"#, Sit9er(and. Neit#er o* t#ese (ast +entioned "or!orations resides in t#e P#i(i!!ines. 8or t#e ears $%@4, $%@$, and $%@3, dividends in t#e s'+ o* P$, @,.B4 ere !aid - t#e !(ainti** to t#e Is(ands Gas and E(e"tri" Co+!an in t#e "a!a"it o* sto"/#o(ders '!on #i"# it##o(din& in"o+e ta;es ere !aid to t#e de*endant tota(in& P4, 4.4@. 8or t#e sa+e ears interest on -onds in t#e s'+ o* P$$,44 as !aid - t#e !(ainti** to t#e Is(ands Gas and E(e"tri" Co+!an '!on #i"# it##o(din& in"o+e ta;es ere !aid to t#e de*endant tota(in& P$3,@. 8ina(( *or t#e stated ti+e !eriod, interest on ot#er inde-tedness in t#e s'+ o* P$@$, , %4 as !aid - t#e !(ainti** to t#e Is(ands Gas and E(e"tri" Co+!an and t#e Genera( 8inan"e Co+!an res!e"tive( '!on #i"# it##o(din& in"o+e ta;es ere !aid to t#e de*endant tota(in& P@,%%.@. An a"tion as -ro'&#t - t#e ani(a Gas Cor!oration a&ainst t#e Co((e"tor o* Interna( Reven'e *or t#e re"over o* PB, B.@, #i"# t#e !(ainti** as re7'ired - t#e de*endant to ded'"t and it##o(d *ro+ t#e vario's s'+s !aid it to *orei&n "or!orations as dividends and interest on -onds and ot#er inde-tedness and #i"# t#e !(ainti** !aid 'nder !rotest. On t#e tria( "o'rt dis+issin& t#e "o+!(aint, it# "osts, t#e !(ainti** a!!ea(ed. ISSUES:

$. Did t#e tria( "o'rt err in #o(din& t#at t#e dividends !aid - t#e !(ainti** "or!oration ere s'-2e"t to in"o+e ta; in t#e #ands o* its sto"/#o(ders= 3. Did t#e tria( "o'rt err in not #o(din& t#e interest on -onds and ot#er inde-tedness o* t#e !(ainti** "or!oration, !aid - it o'tside o* t#e P#i(i!!ine Is(ands to "or!orations not residin& t#erein, ere not, on t#e !art o* t#e re"i!ients t#ereo*, in"o+e *ro+ P#i(i!!ine so'r"es, and #en"e not s'-2e"t to P#i(i!!ine in"o+e ta;. HELD:

$. A!!e((ant *irst "ontends t#at t#e dividends !aid - it to its sto"/#o(ders, t#e Is(ands Gas and E(e"tri" Co+!an , ere not s'-2e"t to ta; -e"a'se to i+!ose a ta; t#ereon o'(d -e to do so on t#e !(ainti** "or!oration, in vio(ation o* t#e ter+s o* its *ran"#ise and o'(d, +oreover, -e o!!ressive and ine7'ita-(e. T#is ar&'+ent is !redi"ated on t#e "onstit'tiona( Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 126


!rovision t#at no (a i+!airin& t#e o-(i&ation o* "ontra"ts s#a(( -e ena"ted. T#e !arti"'(ar !ortion o* t#e *ran"#ise #i"# is invo/ed !rovides> T#e &rantee s#a(( ann'a(( on t#e *i*t# da o* )an'ar o* ea"# ear !a to t#e Cit o* ani(a and t#e +'ni"i!a(ities in t#e Provin"e o* Ri9a( in #i"# &as is so(d, to and one #a(* !er "ent'+ o* t#e &ross re"ei!ts it#in said "it and +'ni"i!a(ities, res!e"tive(, d'rin& t#e !re"edin& ear. Said !a+ent s#a(( -e in (ie' o* a(( ta;es, Ins'(ar, !rovin"ia( and +'ni"i!a(, e;"e!t ta;es on t#e rea( estate, -'i(din&s, !(ant, +a"#iner, and ot#er !ersona( !ro!ert -e(on&in& to t#e &rantee. T#e tria( 2'd&e as o* t#e o!inion t#at a "or!oration #as a !ersona(it distin"t *ro+ t#at o* its sto"/#o(ders, ena-(in& t#e ta;in& !oer to rea"# t#e (atter #en t#e re"eive dividends *ro+ t#e "or!oration. It +'st -e "onsidered as sett(ed in t#is 2'risdi"tion t#at dividends o* a do+esti" "or!oration, #i"# are !aid and de(ivered in "as# to *orei&n "or!orations as sto"/#o(ders, are s'-2e"t to t#e !a+ent in t#e in"o+e ta;, t#e e;e+!tion "(a'se in t#e "#arter o* t#e "or!oration notit#standin&. 8or t#at reason, t#e de"ision o* t#e tria( "o'rt is s'stain and to overr'(e a!!e((antJs *irst assi&ned error. 3. T#e a!!e((ant "ontends t#at, as t#e Is(ands Gas and E(e"tri" Co+!an and t#e Genera( 8inan"e Co+!an are do+i"i(ed in t#e United States and Sit9er(and res!e"tive(, and as t#e interest on t#e -onds and ot#er inde-tedness earned - said "or!orations #as -een !aid in t#eir res!e"tive do+i"i(es, t#is is not in"o+e *ro+ P#i(i!!ine so'r"es it#in t#e +eanin& o* t#e P#i(i!!ine In"o+e Ta; La. Ta/in& *irst 'nder o-servation t#at (ast !oint, it is to -e o-served t#at neit#er in t#e !(eadin&s, t#e de"ision o* t#e tria( "o'rt, nor t#e assi&n+ent o* errors, as t#e 7'estion o* t#e va(idit o* A"t No. @$ raised. Under s'"# "ir"'+stan"es, and no 2'risdi"tiona( iss'e -ein& invo(ved, e do not *ee( t#at it is t#e d't o* t#e "o'rt to !ass on t#e "onstit'tiona( 7'estion, and a""ordin&( i(( re*rain *ro+ doin& so. 0Cada((er6Gi-son L'+-er Co. vs. De( Rosario $%$@, 3 P#i(., $%3: a"ondra and Co. vs. 5enito and O"a+!o, P. $@, ante: State vs. 5'r/e $%$3, $B A(a., B$.1 In t#e "ase at -ar t#ere is so+e 'n"ertaint "on"ernin& t#e !(a"e o* !a+ent, #i"# 'nder one vie "o'(d -e "onsidered t#e P#i(i!!ines and 'nder anot#er vie t#e United States and Sit9er(and, -'t #i"# "annot -e de*inite( deter+ined it#o't t#e ne"essar do"'+entar eviden"e -e*ore, 's. T#e a!!roved do"trine is t#at no state +a ta; ant#in& not it#in its 2'risdi"tion it#o't vio(atin& t#e d'e !ro"ess "(a'se o* t#e "onstit'tion. T#e ta;in& !oer o* a state does not e;tend -eond its territoria( (i+its, -'t it#in s'"# it +a ta; !ersons, !ro!ert, in"o+e, or -'siness. I* an interest in !ro!ert is ta;ed, t#e sit's o* eit#er t#e !ro!ert or interest +'st -e *o'nd it#in t#e state. I* an in"o+e is ta;ed, t#e re"i!ient t#ereo* +'st #ave a do+i"i(e it#in t#e state or t#e !ro!ert or -'siness o't o* #i"# t#e in"o+e iss'es +'st -e sit'ated it#in t#e state so t#at t#e in"o+e Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 127


+a -e said to #ave a sit's t#erein. Persona( !ro!ert +a -e se!arated *ro+ its oner, and #e +a -e ta;ed on its a""o'nt at t#e !(a"e #ere t#e !ro!ert is a(t#o'&# it is not t#e !(a"e o* #is on do+i"i(e and even t#o'&# #e is not a "iti9en or resident o* t#e state #i"# i+!oses t#e ta;. 5't de-ts oin& - "or!orations are o-(i&ations o* t#e de-tors, and on( !ossess va('e in t#e #ands o* t#e "reditors. T#ese vies "on"ernin& sit's *or ta;ation !'r!oses a!!( as e(( to an or&ani9ed, 'nin"or!orated territor or to a Co++onea(t# #avin& t#e stat's o* t#e P#i(i!!ines. P's#in& to one side t#at !ortion o* A"t No. @$ #i"# !er+its ta;ation o* interest on -onds and ot#er inde-tedness !aid it#o't t#e P#i(i!!ine Is(ands, t#e 7'estion is i* t#e in"o+e as derived *ro+ so'r"es it#in t#e P#i(i!!ine Is(ands. In t#e 2'd&+ent o* t#e +a2orit o* t#e "o'rt, t#e 7'estion s#o'(d -e ansered in t#e a**ir+ative. T#e ani(a Gas Cor!oration o!erates its -'siness entire( it#in t#e P#i(i!!ines. Its earnin&s, t#ere*ore "o+e *ro+ (o"a( so'r"es. T#e !(a"e o* +ateria( de(iver o* t#e interest to t#e *orei&n "or!orations !aid o't o* t#e reven'e o* t#e do+esti" "or!oration is o* no !arti"'(ar +o+ent. T#e !(a"e o* !a+ent even i* "on"eded to -e o'tside o* t#e "o'ntr "annot a(ter t#e *a"t t#at t#e in"o+e as derived *ro+ t#e P#i(i!!ines. T#e ord so'r"e "onves on( one idea t#at o* ori&in, and t#e ori&in o* t#e in"o+e as t#e P#i(i!!ines. )'d&+ent a**ir+ed.



G.R. No. L/+-4('

2#rc 1-, 197

8ILIPINO SOCIET O8 COPOSERS, AUTHORS AND PU5LISHERS, INC., !(ainti**6a!!e((ant, vs. 5EN)AIN TAN, de*endant6a!!e((ee. FACTS:

P(ainti**6a!!e((ant #o is t#e oner o* severa( +'si"a( "o+!ositions a+on& #i"# are t#e son&s entit(ed> Da#i( Sa Io, Sa!a&/at I/a A A/in, Sa!a&/at Ka+i A Tao La+an& and T#e Nearness O* o', *i(ed a "o+!(aint it# t#e (oer "o'rt *or in*rin&e+ent o* "o!ri&#t a&ainst de*endant6a!!e((ee *or a((oin& said son& to -e !(aed in de*endant6a!!e((eeJs resta'rant des!ite t#ese son&s -ein& "o!ri&#ted in t#e na+e o* t#e *or+er. De*endant6a!!e((ee, "o'ntered t#at t#e "o+!(aint states no "a'se o* a"tion. W#i(e not denin& t#e !(ain& o* said "o!ri&#ted "o+!ositions in #is esta-(is#+ent, a!!e((ee +aintains t#at t#e +ere sin&in& and !(ain& o* son&s and !o!'(ar t'nes even i* t#e are "o!ri&#ted do not "onstit'te an in*rin&e+ent 'nder t#e !rovisions o* Se"tion @ o* t#e Co!ri&#t La. ISSUE:

Does t#e !(ain& and sin&in& o* "o!ri&#ted +'si"a( "o+!ositions inside an esta-(is#+ent "onstit'te a !'-(i" !er*or+an"e *or !ro*it it#in t#e +eanin& and "onte+!(ation o* RA @$@ ot#erise /non as t#e Co!ri&#t La o* t#e P#i(i!!ines= HELD:

NO. It #as -een #e(d t#at t#e !(ain& o* +'si" in dines and dan"e esta-(is#+ent #i"# as !aid *or - t#e !'-(i" in !'r"#ases o* *ood and drin/ "onstit'te !er*or+an"e *or !ro*it< it#in a Co!ri&#t La. T#'s, it #as -een e;!(ained t#at #i(e it is !ossi-(e in s'"# esta-(is#+ents *or t#e !atrons to !'r"#ase t#eir *ood and drin/s and at t#e sa+e ti+e dan"e to t#e +'si" o* t#e or"#estra, t#e +'si" is *'rnis#ed and 'sed - t#e or"#estra *or t#e !'r!ose o* ind'"in& t#e !'-(i" to !atroni9e t#e esta-(is#+ent and !a *or t#e entertain+ent in t#e !'r"#ase o* *ood and drin/s. T#e de*endant "ond'"ts #is !(a"e o* -'siness *or !ro*it, and it is !'-(i": and t#e +'si" is !er*or+ed *or !ro*it. Nevert#e(ess, a!!e((ee "annot -e said to #ave in*rin&ed '!on t#e Co!ri&#t La. A!!e((ee

a!!(in& *or t#e "orres!ondin& "o!ri&#ts *or t#e sa+e is "orre"t. T#e S'!re+e Co'rt #as r'(ed t#at !'rs'ant to Para&ra!# @@ o* Patent O**i"e Ad+inistrative Order No. @0as a+ended, dated Se!te+-er $, $%1 entit(ed JR'(es o* Pra"ti"e in t#e P#i(i!!ines Patent O**i"e re(atin& to t#e Re&istration o* Co!ri&#t C(ai+s !ro+'(&ated !'rs'ant to Re!'-(i" A"t$B, !rovides a+on& ot#er t#in&s t#at an inte((e"t'a( "reation s#o'(d -e "o!ri&#ted t#irt 0@41das a*ter its !'-(i"ation, i* +ade in ani(a, or it#in t#e 041 das i* +ade e(se#ere, *ai('re o* #i"# renders s'"# "reation !'-(i" !ro!ert. Indeed, i* t#e &enera( !'-(i" #as +ade 'se o* t#e o-2e"t so'&#t to -e "o!ri&#ted *or t#irt 0@41 das !rior to t#e "o!ri&#t a!!(i"ation, t#e (a dee+s t#e o-2e"t to #ave -een donated to t#e !'-(i" do+ain and t#e sa+e "an no (on&er -e "o!ri&#ted. Under t#e "ir"'+stan"es, it is "(ear t#at t#e +'si"a( "o+!ositions in 7'estion #ad (on& -e"o+e !'-(i" !ro!ert, and are t#ere*ore -eond t#e !rote"tion o* t#e Co!ri&#t La.



G.R. No. 9'(1+

Ju0 '3, 199(

SALQADOR H. LAUREL, !etitioner, vs. RAON GARCIA, as #ead o* t#e Asset Privati9ation Tr'st, RAUL ANGLAPUS, as Se"retar o* 8orei&n A**airs, and CATALINO ACARAIG, as E;e"'tive Se"retar, res!ondents. G.R. No. 9'(47

Ju0 '3, 199(

DIONISIO S. O)EDA, !etitioner, vs. EECUTIQE SECRETAR ACARAIG, )R., ASSETS PRIQATIZATION TRUST CHAIRAN RAON T. GARCIA, A5ASSADOR RAON DEL ROSARIO, et a(., as +e+-ers o* t#e PRINCIPAL AND 5IDDING COITTEES ON THE UTILIZATIONFDISPOSITION PETITION O8 PHILIPPINE GOQERNENT PROPERTIES IN )APAN, res!ondents. FACTS:

T#e s'-2e"t !ro!ert in t#is "ase, t#e Ro!!on&i is one o* t#e *o'r !ro!erties in )a!an a"7'ired - t#e P#i(i!!ine Govern+ent 'nder t#e re!aration a&ree+ent entered into it# t#e *or+er. T#e !ro!erties and "a!ita( &oods and servi"es !ro"'red *ro+ t#e )a!anese Govern+ent *or t#e nationa( deve(o!+ent !ro2e"ts are !art o* t#e inde+ni*i"ation to t#e 8i(i!ino !eo!(e *or t#eir (oses in (i*e and !ro!ert and t#eir s'**erin& d'rin& or(d ar II. T#e Ro!!on&i !ro!ert "onsists o* t#e (and and -'i(din& *or "#an"er o* t#e P#i(i!!ine e+-ass. As intended, it -e"a+e t#e site o* P#i(i!!ine E+-ass 'nti( it as trans*erred to Na+!eidai #en t#e Ro!!on&i -'i(din& needed +a2or re!airs. D'e to t#e *ai('re o* t#e &overn+ent to !rovide t#e ne"essar *'nds, t#e Ro!!on&i #as re+ained 'ndeve(o!ed sin"e t#at ti+e. ean#i(e, President Cora9on A7'ino iss'ed EO No. 3% entit(in& non6 8i(i!ino "iti9ens or entities to avai( o* se!arations< "a!ita( &oods and servi"es in t#e event o* sa(e, (ease or dis!ositions. T#erea*ter, a+idst t#e o!!ositions - vario's se"tors, t#e E;e"'tive 5ran"# o* t#e &overn+ent !'s#ed *or t#e sa(e o* re!aration !ro!erties, startin& it# t#e Ro!!on&i (ot. T#e !ro!ert #as ti"e -een set *or -iddin& at a +ini+'+ *(oor !ri"e o* 33B. T#e *irst as a *ai('re, #i(e t#e se"ond as !ost!oned and (ater restrained - t#e SC. Petitioner La're( asserts t#at t#e Ro!!on&i !ro!ert is "(assi*ied as one o* !'-(i" do+inion, and not o* !rivate oners#i! 'nder arti"(e 34 o* t#e "ivi( "ode. He states t#at -ein& one o* !'-(i" do+inion, no oners#i! - anone "an atta"# to it, not even - t#e State. T#e s'-2e"t !ro!ert "annot -e a!!ro!riated, is Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 131


o'tside t#e "o++er"e o* +an, or to !'t it in +ore si+!(e ter+s, it "annot -e a(ienated nor -e t#e s'-2e"t +atter o* "ontra"ts. T#e res!ondents, *or t#eir !art, re*'te t#e !etitionerJs "ontention - sain& t#at t#e s'-2e"t !ro!ert is not &overned - o'r Civi( Code -'t - t#e (as o* )a!an #ere t#e !ro!ert is (o"ated. T#e re( '!on t#e r'(e o* (e; sit's #i"# is 'sed in deter+inin& t#e a!!(i"a-(e (a re&ardin& t#e a"7'isition, trans*er and devo('tion o* t#e tit(e to a !ro!ert. T#e res!ondents add t#at even ass'+in& *or t#e sa/e o* ar&'+ent t#at t#e Civi( Code is a!!(i"a-(e, t#e Ro!!on&i !ro!ert #as "eased to -e"o+e !ro!ert o* !'-(i" do+inion. It #as -e"o+e !atri+onia( !ro!ert -e"a'se it #as not -een 'sed *or !'-(i" servi"e or *or di!(o+ati" !'r!oses *or over t#irteen 0$@1 ears no 0Citin& Arti"(e 33, Civi( Code1 and -e"a'se t#e intention - t#e E;e"'tive De!art+ent and t#e Con&ress to "onvert it to !rivate 'se #as -een +ani*ested - overt a"ts. ISSUES:

$. Can t#e Ro!!on&i !ro!ert "an -e a(ienated - t#e P#i(i!!ine Govern+ent= 3. Was t#ere a "on*(i"t o* (a -eteen t#e )a!anese (a on !ro!ert 0as t#e rea( !ro!ert is sit'ated t#ere1 and P#i(i!!ine (a= RULINGS:

$. No. Un(ess it is "onvin"in&( s#on t#at t#e !ro!ert #as -e"o+e !atri+onia(, t#ere "an -e no do'-t t#at it is o* !'-(i" do+inion. As !ro!ert o* !'-(i" do+inion, t#e Ro!!on&i (ot is o'tside t#e "o++er"e o* +an. T#ere*ore, it "annot -e a(ienated. T#e Ro!!on&i !ro!ert is "orre"t( "(assi*ied 'nder !ara&ra!# 3 o* Arti"(e 34 o* t#e Civi( Code as !ro!ert -e(on&in& to t#e State and intended *or so+e !'-(i" servi"e. T#e *a"t t#at t#e Ro!!on&i site #as not -een 'sed *or a (on& ti+e *or a"t'a( E+-ass servi"e does not a'to+ati"a(( "onvert it to !atri+onia( !ro!ert. An s'"# "onversion #a!!ens on( i* t#e !ro!ert is it#dran *ro+ !'-(i" 'se. A !ro!ert "ontin'es to -e !art o* t#e !'-(i" do+ain, not avai(a-(e *or !rivate a!!ro!riation or oners#i! 'nti( t#ere is a *or+a( de"(aration on t#e !art o* t#e &overn+ent to it#dra it *ro+ -ein& s'"#. We e+!#asi9e, #oever, t#at an a-andon+ent o* t#e intention to 'se t#e Ro!!on&i !ro!ert *or !'-(i" servi"e and to +a/e it !atri+onia( !ro!ert 'nder Arti"(e 33 o* t#e Civi( Code +'st -e de*inite a-andon+ent. T#is "annot -e in*erred *ro+ +ere non6'se a(one es!e"ia(( i* t#e non6'se as attri-'ta-(e, not to t#e &overn+entJs on de(i-erate and ind'-ita-(e i((, -'t to a (a"/ o* *inan"ia( s'!!ort to re!air and i+!rove t#e !ro!ert 0See Heirs o* 8e(ino Santia&o v. La9aro, $ SCRA @ $%1. A-andon+ent +'st -e a "ertain and !ositive a"t -ased on "orre"t (e&a( !re+ises.



3. No. We see no reason # a "on*(i"t o* (a r'(e s#o'(d a!!( #en no "on*(i"t o* (a sit'ation e;ists. A "on*(i"t o* (a sit'ation arises on( #en> 0$1 T#ere is a dis!'te over t#e tit(e or oners#i! o* an i++ova-(e, s'"# t#at t#e "a!a"it to ta/e and trans*er i++ova-(e, t#e *or+a(ities o* "onvean"e, t#e essentia( va(idit and e**e"t o* t#e trans*er, or t#e inter!retation and e**e"t o* a "onvean"e, are to -e deter+ined 0See Sa(on&a, Private Internationa( La, $%$ ed., !!. @6@@1: and 031 A *orei&n (a on (and oners#i! and its "onvean"e is asserted to "on*(i"t it# a do+esti" (a on t#e sa+e +atters. Hen"e, t#e need to deter+ine #i"# (a s#o'(d a!!(. In t#e instant "ase, none o* t#e a-ove e(e+ents e;ists. T#e iss'es are not "on"erned it# va(idit o* oners#i! or tit(e. T#ere is no 7'estion t#at t#e !ro!ert -e(on&s to t#e P#i(i!!ines. T#e iss'e is t#e a't#orit o* t#e res!ondent o**i"ia(s to va(id( dis!ose o* !ro!ert -e(on&in& to t#e State. And t#e va(idit o* t#e !ro"ed'res ado!ted to e**e"t its sa(e. T#is is &overned - P#i(i!!ine La. T#e r'(e o* le) situs does not a!!(.



G.R. No. '7'1

2#rc '', 19(-

RA8AEL OLINA  SALQADOR, P(ainti**6A!!e((ee, vs. ANTONIO DE LA RIQA, De*endant6A!!e((ant. Gi--s V Ga(e, *or A!!e((ant. Pi((s-'r VS'tro, *or A!!e((ee. FACTS:

T#is is an a"tion to re"over a de-t d'e '!on a "ontra"t e;e"'ted )'( 3, $%4@, #ere- !(ainti** trans*erred to t#e de*endant t#e a-a"a and "o!ra -'siness "arried on - #i+ at vario's !(a"es in t#e Is(and o* Catand'anes, it# a(( t#e !ro!ert and ri&#t !ertainin& to t#e said -'siness, or t#e s'+ o* $@,@ !esos and $3 "ents, !aa-(e in e;i"an "'rren" or its e7'iva(ent in (o"a( "'rren". De*endant !aid at t#e ti+e o* t#e e;e"'tion o* t#e "ontra"t, on a""o'nt o* t#e !'r"#ase !ri"e, t#e s'+ o* P@@,B% !esos and @ "ents, !ro+isin& to !a t#e -a(an"e on t#ree insta(+ents P@@,B% !esos and @ "ents ea"#, it# interest at t#e rate o* B !er "ent !er ann'+ *ro+ t#e date o* t#e "ontra"t. T#e *irst insta(+ent -e"a+e d'e )'( 3, $%4. It as *or t#e re"over o* t#is *irst insta(+ent t#at t#eir a"tion as -ro'&#t to t#e Co'rt o* 8irst Instan"e o* t#e Cit o* ani(a. De*endant de+'rred to t#e "o+!(aint on t#e &ro'nd t#at t#e "o'rt #ad no 2'risdi"tion over t#e s'-2e"t o* t#e a"tion. T#e "o'rt overr'(ed t#e de+'rrer and de*endant re*'sed to and did not, as a +atter o* *a"t, anser !(ainti**
a!!e((ee s#o'(d re"over it#o't #earin& eviden"e= +. Did t#e "o'rt err in renderin& 2'd&+ent re&ardin& a s'+ (ar&er t#an t#at so'&#t to -e re"overed=

HELD:

$. A !ersona( a"tion to re"over a de-t +a -e -ro'&#t, 'nder se"tion @ o* t#e Code o* Civi( !ro"ed're, eit#er in t#e Co'rt o* 8irst Instan"e o* t#e Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 134


!rovin"e #ere t#e !(ainti** resides or in t#at #ere t#e de*endant +a reside, at t#e e(e"tion o* t#e !(ainti**. T#e residen"e in s'"# "ase s#o'(d -e t#at #i"# t#e !arties #ad at t#e ti+e o* t#e "o++en"e+ent o* t#e a"tion and not !rior t#ereto. T#e (a does not a't#ori9e (iti&ant6!arties to s'-+it t#e+se(ves, - e;!ress sti!'(ation, to t#e 2'risdi"tion o* a !arti"'(ar "o'rt, to t#e e;"('sion o* t#e "o'rt d'( vested it# s'"# 2'risdi"tion. An e;!ress a&ree+ent tendin& to de!rive a "o'rt o* t#e 2'risdi"tion "on*erred on it - (a is void and o* no (e&a( e**e"t. 3. D'e to #is *ai('re to den, dis!'te or "ontrovert t#e *a"ts o* t#e "o+!(aint, !arti"'(ar( re&ardin& t#e va('e o* t#e e;i"an "'rren" in P#i(i!!ine !eso, t#e de*endant #as a(so ad+itted to t#e sa+e. T#ere*ore, it s#a(( not -e ne"essar *or t#e "o'rt to #ear eviden"e '!on t#is !oint. T#e !roo* re7'ired - se"tion @ o* A"t No. $4B is on( ne"essar #en t#e !arties disa&ree as to t#e a"t'a( va('e o* eit#er "'rren". @. T#e re(ie* &ranted to t#e !(ainti**, i* t#ere -e no anser, "annot e;"eed t#at #i"# #e s#a(( #ave de+anded in #is "o+!(aint. 0Se". $3, Code o* Civi( Pro"ed're1.



G.R. No. -1394

S!5t!&*!r ', 199(

PAKISTAN INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES CORPORATION, !etitioner, vs HON. 5LAS 8. OPLE, in #is "a!a"it as inister o* La-or: HON. QICENTE LEOGARDO, )R., in #is "a!a"it as De!'t inister: ETHELNNE 5. 8ARRALES and ARIA OONEEN AASIG, res!ondents. FACTS>

On 3 De"e+-er $%, !etitioner Pa/istan Internationa( Air(ines Cor!oration 0PIA1, a *orei&n "or!oration (i"ensed to do -'siness in t#e P#i(i!!ines, e;e"'ted in ani(a to se!arate "ontra"ts o* e+!(o+ent, one it# !rivate res!ondent 8arra(es and t#e ot#er it# !rivate res!ondent a+asi&. T#e "ontra"ts, #i"# -e"a+e e**e"tive on % )an'ar $%%, !rovided in !ertinent !ortion as *o((os> B. DURATION O8 EPLOENT AND PENALT T#is a&ree+ent is *or a !eriod o* @ ears, -'t "an -e e;tended - t#e +'t'a( "onsent o* t#e !arties. ;;;;;;;;; . TERINATION ;;;;;;;;; Notit#standin& ant#in& to "ontrar as #erein !rovided, PIA reserves t#e ri&#t to ter+inate t#is a&ree+ent at an ti+e - &ivin& t#e EPLOEE noti"e in ritin& in advan"e one +ont# -e*ore t#e intended ter+ination or in (ie' t#ereo*, - !ain& t#e EPLOEE a&es e7'iva(ent to one +ont# T#is a&ree+ent s#a(( -e "onstr'ed and &overned 'nder and - t#e (as o* Pa/istan, and on( t#e Co'rts o* Kara"#i, Pa/istan s#a(( #ave t#e 2'risdi"tion to "onsider an +atter arisin& o't o* or 'nder t#is a&ree+ent.

A*ter 'nder&oin& trainin& 8arra(es and a+asi& 0e+!(oees1 ere #ired as *(i&#t attendants it# -ase station in ani(a and *(in& assi&n+ents to di**erent !arts o* t#e idd(e East and E'ro!e. Ro'&#( $ ear and  +ont#s !rior to t#e e;!iration o* t#eir "ontra"ts o* e+!(o+ent, PIA t#ro'&# r. Os"ar 5enares, "o'nse( *or an o**i"ia( o* t#e (o"a( -ran"# o* PIA, sent se!arate (etters, in*or+in& t#e+ t#at t#e i(( -e ter+inated e**e"tive Se!te+-er $, $%4. 8arra(es and a+asi& 2oint( instit'ted a "o+!(aint, *or i((e&a( dis+issa( and non6!a+ent o* "o+!an -ene*its and -on'ses, a&ainst PIA it# t#e t#en inistr o* La-or and E+!(o+ent 0OLE1. In its !osition !a!er, t#e PIA, it#o't an eviden"e, "(ai+ed t#at -ot# !rivate res!ondents ere #a-it'a( a-sentees: t#at -ot# ere in t#e #a-it o* Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 136


-rin&in& in *ro+ a-road si9ea-(e 7'antities o* !ersona( e**e"ts: and t#at PIA !ersonne( at t#e ani(a Internationa( Air!ort #ad -een dis"reet( arned - "'sto+s o**i"ia(s to advise !rivate res!ondents to dis"ontin'e t#at !ra"ti"e. PIA *'rt#er "(ai+ed t#at t#e servi"es o* -ot# !rivate res!ondents ere ter+inated !'rs'ant to t#e !rovisions o* t#e e+!(o+ent "ontra"t. A *avora-(e de"ision as &ranted *or t#e res!ondents. T#e order stated t#at !rivate res!ondents #ad attained t#e stat's o* re&'(ar e+!(oees a*ter renderin& +ore t#an a ear o* "ontin'ed servi"e: t#at t#e sti!'(ation (i+itin& t#e !eriod o* t#e e+!(o+ent "ontra"t to @ ears as n'(( and void as vio(ative o* t#e !rovisions o* t#e La-or Code and its i+!(e+entin& r'(es and re&'(ations on re&'(ar and "as'a( e+!(o+ent: and t#at t#e dis+issa(, #avin& -een "arried o't it#o't t#e re7'isite "(earan"e *ro+ t#e OLE, as i((e&a( and entit(ed !rivate res!ondents to reinstate+ent it# *'(( -a"/ a&es. De"ision s'stained on a!!ea(. Hen"e, t#is !etition *or "ertiorari ISSUE>

W#i"# (a s#o'(d &overn over t#e "ase= W#i"# "o'rt #as 2'risdi"tion= HELD>

P#i(i!!ine La and P#i(i!!ine Co'rts. Petitioner PIA "annot ta/e re*'&e in !ara&ra!# $4 o* its e+!(o+ent a&ree+ent #i"# s!e"i*ies, *irst(, t#e (a o* Pa/istan as t#e a!!(i"a-(e (a o* t#e a&ree+ent and, se"ond(, (i+its t#e ven'e *or sett(e+ent o* an dis!'te arisin& o't o* or in "onne"tion it# t#e a&ree+ent to on( in "o'rts o* Kara"#i Pa/istan. We #ave a(read !ointed o't t#at t#e re(ations#i! is +'"# a**e"ted it# !'-(i" interest and t#at t#e ot#erise a!!(i"a-(e P#i(i!!ine (as and re&'(ations "annot -e rendered i(('sor - t#e !arties a&reein& '!on so+e ot#er (a to &overn t#eir re(ations#i!. T#e "ontra"t as not on( e;e"'ted in t#e P#i(i!!ines, it as a(so !er*or+ed #ere, at (east !artia((.Private res!ondents are P#i(i!!ine "iti9ens and res!ondents, #i(e !etitioner, a(t#o'&# a *orei&n "or!oration, is (i"ensed to do -'siness 0and a"t'a(( doin& -'siness1 and #en"e is residin& in t#e P#i(i!!ines. Last(, !rivate res!ondents ere -ased in t#e P#i(i!!ines in -eteen t#eir assi&ned *(i&#ts to t#e idd(e East and E'ro!e. A(( o* t#e a-ove "onta"ts !oint to t#e P#i(i!!ine "o'rts and ad+inistrative a&en"ies as t#e !ro!er *or'+ *or t#e reso('tion o* "ontra"t'a( dis!'tes -eteen t#e !arties. Under t#ese "ir"'+stan"es, !ara&ra!# $4 o* t#e e+!(o+ent a&ree+ent "annot -e &iven e**e"t so as to o'st P#i(i!!ine a&en"ies and "o'rts o* t#e 2'risdi"tion vested '!on t#e+ - P#i(i!!ine (a. 8ina((, and in an event, t#e !etitioner PIA did not 'nderta/e to !(ead and !rove t#e "ontents o* Pa/istan (a on t#e +atter: it +'st t#ere*ore -e !res'+ed t#at t#e a!!(i"a-(e !rovisions o* t#e (a o* Pa/istan are t#e sa+e as t#e a!!(i"a-(e !rovisions o* P#i(i!!ine (a. Petition denied.



G.R. No. L/'9+3

2#rc '+, 19(9

THE GOQERNENT O8 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS, !(ainti**6a!!e((ee, vs. GEORGE I. 8RANK, de*endant6a!!e((ant, FACTS:

In $%4@, in t#e "it o* C#i"a&o, I((inois, T#e De*endant 8ran/ entered into a "ontra"t *or a !eriod o* 3 ears it# t#e P(ainti**, - #i"# 8ran/ as to re"eive a sa(ar as a steno&ra!#er in t#e servi"e o* t#e said P(ainti**, and in addition t#ereto as to -e !aid in advan"e t#e e;!enses in"'rred in trave((in& *ro+ "it o* C#i"a&o to ani(a, and one6#a(* sa(ar d'rin& said !eriod o* trave(. T#e "ontra"t "ontained a !rovision t#at in "ase o* a vio(ation o* its ter+s on t#e !art o* t#e De*endant, #e s#o'(d -e"o+e (ia-(e to t#e P(ainti** *or t#e a+o'nt e;!ended - t#e Govern+ent - a o* e;!enses in"'rred in trave((in& *ro+ C#i"a&o to ani(a and t#e one6#a(* sa(ar !aid d'rin& s'"# !eriod. T#e De*endant entered '!on t#e !er*or+an"e o* #is "ontra"t and as !aid #a(*6sa(ar *ro+ t#e date 'nti( t#e date o* #is arriva( in t#e P#i(i!!ine Is(ands. T#erea*ter, De*endant (e*t t#e servi"e o* t#e P(ainti** and re*'sed to +a/e a *'rt#er "o+!(ian"e it# t#e ter+s o* t#e "ontra"t. T#e P(ainti** "o++en"ed an a"tion in t#e Co'rt o* 8irst Instan"e o* ani(a to re"over *ro+ t#e De*endant t#e s'+ o* +one, #i"# t#e P(ainti** "(ai+ed #ad -een !aid to t#e (atter as e;!enses in"'rred in trave((in& *ro+ C#i"a&o to ani(a, and as #a(*6sa(ar *or t#e !eriod "ons'+ed in trave(. It as e;!ress( a&reed -eteen t#e !arties to said "ontra"t t#at Las No. 4 and No. 33 s#o'(d "onstit'te a !art o* said "ontra"t. T#e De*endant *i(ed a &enera( denia( and a s!e"ia( de*ense, a((e&in& t#at> 0$1 t#e Govern+ent o* t#e P#i(i!!ine Is(ands #ad a+ended Las No. 4 and No. 33 and #ad t#ere- +ateria(( a(tered t#e said "ontra"t: and t#at 031 #e as a +inor at t#e ti+e t#e "ontra"t as entered into and as t#ere*ore not res!onsi-(e 'nder t#e (a. T#e (oer "o'rt rendered a 2'd&+ent a&ainst De*endant and in *avor o* t#e P(ainti** *or t#e s'+ o* 3B.%4. ISSUE:

W#et#er or not t#e de*endant "an a((e&e +inorit or in*an"= RULING:

No. Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 138


It is not dis!'ted  '!on t#e "ontrar t#e *a"t is ad+itted  t#at at t#e ti+e and !(a"e o* t#e +a/in& o* t#e "ontra"t in 7'estion t#e De*endant #ad *'(( "a!a"it to +a/e t#e sa+e. No r'(e is -etter sett(ed in (a t#an t#at +atters -earin& '!on t#e e;e"'tion, inter!retation and va(idit o* a "ontra"t are deter+ined - t#e (a o* t#e !(a"e #ere t#e "ontra"t is +ade. atters "onne"ted it# its !er*or+an"e are re&'(ated - t#e (a !revai(in& at t#e !(a"e o* !er*or+an"e. atters res!e"tin& a re+ed, s'"# as t#e -rin&in& o* s'it, ad+issi-i(it o* eviden"e, and stat'tes o* (i+itations, de!end '!on t#e (a o* t#e !(a"e #ere t#e s'it is -ro'&#t.



G.R. No. 1''191

)cto*!r , 199

SAUDI ARA5IAN AIRLINES, !etitioner, vs. COURT O8 APPEALS, ILAGROS P. ORADA and HON. RODOL8O A. ORTIZ, in #is "a!a"it as Presidin& )'d&e o* 5ran"# %, Re&iona( Tria( Co'rt o* 'e9on Cit, res!ondents. FACTS:

On )an'ar 3$, $% de*endant SAUDIA #ired !(ainti** as a 8(i&#t Attendant *or its air(ines -ased in )edda#, Sa'di Ara-ia. On A!ri( 3, $%%4, #i(e on a (a6over in )a/arta, Indonesia, !(ainti** ent to a dis"o dan"e it# *e((o "re +e+-ers T#a+er A(6Ga99ai and A((a# A(6 Ga99ai, -ot# Sa'di nationa(s. 5e"a'se it as a(+ost +ornin& #en t#e ret'rned to t#eir #ote(s, t#e a&reed to #ave -rea/*ast to&et#er at t#e roo+ o* T#a+er. W#en t#e ere in te 0 sic 1 roo+, A((a# (e*t on so+e !rete;t. S#ort( a*ter #e did, T#a+er atte+!ted to ra!e !(ainti**. 8ort'nate(, a roo+-o and severa( se"'rit !ersonne( #eard #er "ries *or #e(! and res"'ed #er. Later, t#e Indonesian !o(i"e "a+e and arrested T#a+er and A((a# A(6Ga99ai, t#e (atter as an a""o+!(i"e. W#en !(ainti** ret'rned to )edda# a *e das (ater, severa( SAUDIA o**i"ia(s interro&ated #er a-o't t#e )a/arta in"ident. T#e t#en re7'ested #er to &o -a"/ to )a/arta to #e(! arran&e t#e re(ease o* T#a+er and A((a#. In )a/arta, SAUDIA Le&a( O**i"er Sira# A//ad and -ase +ana&er 5a#arini ne&otiated it# t#e !o(i"e *or t#e i++ediate re(ease o* t#e detained "re +e+-ers -'t did not s'""eed -e"a'se !(ainti** re*'sed to "oo!erate. S#e as a*raid t#at s#e +i&#t -e tri"/ed into so+et#in& s#e did not ant -e"a'se o* #er ina-i(it to 'nderstand t#e (o"a( dia(e"t. S#e a(so de"(ined to si&n a -(an/ !a!er and a do"'+ent ritten in t#e (o"a( dia(e"t. Event'a((, SAUDIA a((oed !(ainti** to ret'rn to )edda# -'t -arred #er *ro+ t#e )a/arta *(i&#ts. P(ainti** (earned t#at, t#ro'&# t#e inter"ession o* t#e Sa'di Ara-ian &overn+ent, t#e Indonesian a't#orities a&reed to de!ort T#a+er and A((a# a*ter to ee/s o* detention. Event'a((, t#e ere a&ain !'t in servi"e - de*endant SAUDI 0sic 1. In Se!te+-er $%%4, de*endant SAUDIA trans*erred !(ainti** to ani(a. On )an'ar $, $%%3, 2'st #en !(ainti** t#o'&#t t#at t#e )a/arta in"ident as a(read -e#ind #er, #er s'!eriors re7'ested #er to see r. A(i enie, C#ie* Le&a( O**i"er o* SAUDIA, in )edda#, Sa'di Ara-ia. W#en s#e sa #i+, #e -ro'&#t #er to t#e !o(i"e station #ere t#e !o(i"e too/ #er !ass!ort and 7'estioned #er a-o't t#e )a/arta in"ident. inie si+!( stood - as t#e !o(i"e !'t !ress're on #er to +a/e a state+ent dro!!in& t#e "ase a&ainst T#a+er and Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 140


A((a#. Not 'nti( s#e a&reed to do so did t#e !o(i"e ret'rn #er !ass!ort and a((oed #er to "at"# t#e a*ternoon *(i&#t o't o* )edda#. One ear and a #a(* (ater or on )'ne $, $%%@, in Riad#, Sa'di Ara-ia, a *e +in'tes -e*ore t#e de!art're o* #er *(i&#t to ani(a, !(ainti** as not a((oed to -oard t#e !(ane and instead ordered to ta/e a (ater *(i&#t to )edda# to see r. inie, t#e C#ie* Le&a( O**i"er o* SAUDIA. W#en s#e did, a "ertain K#a(id o* t#e SAUDIA o**i"e -ro'&#t #er to a Sa'di "o'rt #ere s#e as as/ed to si&n a do"'+ent ritten in Ara-i". T#e to(d #er t#at t#is as ne"essar to "(ose t#e "ase a&ainst T#a+er and A((a#. As it t'rned o't, !(ainti** si&ned a noti"e to #er to a!!ear -e*ore t#e "o'rt on )'ne 3, $%%@. P(ainti** t#en ret'rned to ani(a. S#ort( a*terards, de*endant SAUDIA s'++oned !(ainti** to re!ort to )edda# on"e a&ain and see inie on )'ne 3, $%%@ *or *'rt#er investi&ation. P(ainti** did so a*ter re"eivin& ass'ran"e *ro+ SAUDIAJs ani(a +ana&er, As(a+Sa(ee+i, t#at t#e investi&ation as ro'tinar and t#at it !osed no dan&er to #er. In )edda#, a SAUDIA (e&a( o**i"er -ro'&#t !(ainti** to t#e sa+e Sa'di "o'rt on )'ne 3, $%%@. Not#in& #a!!ened t#en -'t on )'ne 3, $%%@, a Sa'di 2'd&e interro&ated !(ainti** t#ro'&# an inter!reter a-o't t#e )a/arta in"ident. A*ter one #o'r o* interro&ation, t#e (et #er &o. At t#e air!ort, #oever, 2'st as #er !(ane as a-o't to ta/e o**, a SAUDIA o**i"er to(d #er t#at t#e air(ine #ad *or-idden #er to ta/e *(i&#t. At t#e In*(i&#t Servi"e O**i"e #ere s#e as to(d to &o, t#e se"retar o* r. a#aSaddi"/ too/ aa #er !ass!ort and to(d #er to re+ain in )edda#, at t#e "re 7'arters, 'nti( *'rt#er orders. On )'( @, $%%@ a SAUDIA (e&a( o**i"er a&ain es"orted !(ainti** to t#e sa+e "o'rt #ere t#e 2'd&e, to #er astonis#+ent and s#o"/, rendered a de"ision, trans(ated to #er in En&(is#, senten"in& #er to *ive +ont#s i+!rison+ent and to 3 (as#es. On( t#en did s#e rea(i9e t#at t#e Sa'di "o'rt #ad tried #er, to&et#er it# T#a+er and A((a#, *or #at #a!!ened in )a/arta. T#e "o'rt *o'nd !(ainti** &'i(t o* 0$1 ad'(ter: 031 &oin& to a dis"o, dan"in& and (istenin& to t#e +'si" in vio(ation o* Is(a+i" (as: and 0@1 so"ia(i9in& it# t#e +a(e "re, in "ontravention o* Is(a+i" tradition. On Nove+-er 3@, $%%@, orada *i(ed a Co+!(aint *or da+a&es a&ainst SAUDIA, and K#a(ed A(65a(ai 0A(65a(ai1, its "o'ntr +ana&er. On )an'ar $%, $%%, SAUDIA *i(ed an O+ni-'s otion To Dis+iss #i"# raised t#e *o((oin& &ro'nds, to it> 0$1 t#at t#e Co+!(aint states no "a'se o* a"tion a&ainst Sa'dia: 031 t#at de*endant A(65a(ai is not a rea( !art in interest: 0@1 t#at t#e "(ai+ or de+and set *ort# in t#e Co+!(aint #as -een aived, a-andoned or ot#erise e;tin&'is#ed: and 01 t#at t#e tria( "o'rt #as no 2'risdi"tion to tr t#e "ase. On 8e-r'ar $4, $%%, orada *i(ed #er O!!osition 0To otion to Dis+iss1. Sa'dia *i(ed a re!( t#ereto on ar"# @, $%%. On )'ne 3@, $%%, orada *i(ed an A+ended Co+!(aint #erein A(65a(ai as dro!!ed as !art de*endant. On A'&'st $$, $%%, Sa'dia *i(ed its ani*estation and otion to Dis+iss A+ended Co+!(aint. Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 141


T#e tria( "o'rt iss'ed an Order dated A'&'st 3%, $%% denin& t#e otion to Dis+iss A+ended Co+!(aint *i(ed - Sa'dia. On 8e-r'ar 34, $%%B, SAUDIA *i(ed its Petition *or Certiorari and Pro#i-ition it# Praer *or Iss'an"e o* Writ o* Pre(i+inar In2'n"tion andFor Te+!orar Restrainin& Order it# t#e Co'rt o* A!!ea(s. Res!ondent Co'rt o* A!!ea(s !ro+'(&ated a Reso('tion it# Te+!orar Restrainin& Order dated 8e-r'ar 3@, $%%B, !ro#i-itin& t#e res!ondent )'d&e *ro+ *'rt#er "ond'"tin& an !ro"eedin&, 'n(ess ot#erise dire"ted, in t#e interi+. On O"to-er 34, $%%B, SAUDIA *i(ed it# t#is Honora-(e Co'rt t#e instant Petition *or Revie it# Praer *or Te+!orar Restrainin& Order dated O"to-er $@, $%%B. Hoever, d'rin& t#e !enden" o* t#e instant Petition, res!ondent Co'rt o* A!!ea(s rendered t#e De"ision dated A!ri( $4, $%%, no a(so assai(ed. It r'(ed t#at t#e P#i(i!!ines is an a!!ro!riate *or'+ "onsiderin& t#at t#e A+ended Co+!(aintJs -asis *or re"over o* da+a&es is Arti"(e 3$ o* t#e Civi( Code, and t#'s, "(ear( it#in t#e 2'risdi"tion o* res!ondent Co'rt. It *'rt#er #e(d t#at certiorari is not t#e !ro!er re+ed in a denia( o* a otion to Dis+iss, inas+'"# as t#e !etitioner s#o'(d #ave !ro"eeded to tria(, and in "ase o* an adverse r'(in&, *ind re"o'rse in an a!!ea(. ISSUES:

$. W#et#er res!ondent a!!e((ate "o'rt erred in #o(din& t#at t#e re&iona( tria( "o'rt o* 'e9on Cit #as 2'risdi"tion to #ear and tr "ivi( "ase no. 6%@6$@% entit(ed i(a&ros P. orada v. Sa'di Ara-ian air(ines. 3. W#et#er res!ondent a!!e((ate "o'rt erred in r'(in& t#at in t#is "ase P#i(i!!ine (a s#o'(d &overn. HELD:

$. Re&iona( Tria( Co'rt 0RTC1 o* 'e9on Cit !ossesses 2'risdi"tion over t#e s'-2e"t +atter o* t#e s'it. Its a't#orit to tr and #ear t#e "ase is !rovided *or 'nder Se"tion $ o* Re!'-(i" A"t No. %$, to it> Se". $. Se"tion $% o* 5atas Pa+-ansa5(&. $3%, ot#erise /non as t#e )'di"iar Reor&ani9ation A"t o* $%4, is #ere- a+ended to read as *o((os> Se". $%.)'risdi"tion in Civi( Cases.  Re&iona( Tria( Co'rts s#a(( e;er"ise e;"('sive 2'risdi"tion> ;;;;;;;;; 01 In a(( ot#er "ases in #i"# de+and, e)clusive of interest! damages of whatever kind , attorneJs *ees, (iti&ation e;!enses, and "ots or t#e va('e o* t#e !ro!ert in "ontrovers e;"eeds One #'ndred t#o'sand !esos 0P$44,444.441 or, in s'"# ot#er "ases in etro ani(a, #ere t#e de+and, e;"('sive o* t#e a-ove6 +entioned ite+s e;"eeds To #'ndred T#o'sand !esos 0P344,444.441. 0E+!#asis o'rs1 ;;;;;;;;;



And *o((oin& Se"tion 3 0-1, R'(e  o* t#e Revised R'(es o* Co'rt  t#e ven'e, 'e9on Cit, is a!!ro!riate> Se". 3 Qen'e in Co'rts o* 8irst Instan"e.  No Re&iona( Re&iona ( Tria( Co'rt 0a1 ;;;;;;;;; 0-1 Persona( a"tions.  A(( ot#er a"tions +a -e "o++en"ed and tried #ere t#e de*endant or an o* t#e de*endants resides or +a -e *o'nd, or #ere t#e !(ainti** or an o* t#e !(ainti** resides, at t#e e(e"tion o* t#e !(ainti**.

Wei&#in& t#e re(ative "(ai+s o* t#e !arties, t#e "o'rt a quo *o'nd it -est to #ear t#e "ase in t#e P#i(i!!ines. Had it re*'sed to ta/e "o&ni9an"e o* t#e "ase, it o'(d -e *or"in& !(ainti** 0!rivate res!ondent no1 to see/ re+edia( a"tion e(se#ere, i.e. in t#e Kin&do+ o* Sa'di Ara-ia #ere s#e no (on&er +aintains s'-stantia( "onne"tions. T#at o'(d #ave "a'sed a *'nda+enta( 'n*airness to #er. oreover, - #earin& t#e "ase in t#e P#i(i!!ines no 'nne"essar di**i"'(ties and in"onvenien"e #ave -een s#on - eit#er o* t#e !arties. T#e "#oi"e o* *or'+ o* t#e !(ainti** 0no !rivate res!ondent1 s#o'(d -e '!#e(d. Si+i(ar(, t#e tria( "o'rt a(so !ossesses 2'risdi"tion over t#e !ersons o* t#e !arties #erein. 5 *i(in& #er Co+!(aint and A+ended Co+!(aint it# t#e tria( "o'rt, !rivate res!ondent #as vo('ntar s'-+itted #erse(* to t#e 2'risdi"tion o* t#e "o'rt. T#e T#e re"o re"ord rdss s#o s#o t#at t#at !eti !etiti tion oner er SA SAUD UDIA IA #as #as *i(e *i(ed d seve severa ra(( +oti +otion onss !rai !rain& n& *or *or t#e t#e dis+ dis+is issa sa(( o* orad oradaJ aJss A+end +ended ed Co+! Co+!(a (ain int. t. SAUDIA a(so *i(ed an Anser in -) #bundanteCautelam dated 8e-r'ar 34, $%%B. W#at is ver !atent and e;!(i"it *ro+ t#e +otions *i(ed, is t#at SAUDIA !raed *or ot#er re(ie*s 'nder t#e !re+ises. Undenia-(, !etitioner SAUDIA #as e**e"tive( s'-+itted to t#e tria( "o'rtJs 2'risdi"tion - !rain& *or t#e dis+issa( o* t#e A+ended Co+!(aint on &ro'nds ot#er t#an (a"/ o* 2'risdi"tion. C(ear(, !etitioner #ad s'-+itted to t#e 2'risdi"tion o* t#e Re&iona( Tria( Co'rt o* 'e9on Cit. T#'s, e *ind t#at t#e tria( "o'rt #as 2'risdi"tion over t#e "ase and t#at its e;er"ise t#ereo*, 2'sti*ied. 3. Pres"in Pres"indin din& & *ro+ t#is !re+ise !re+ise t#at t#e P#i(i! P#i(i!!in !ines es is t#e sit's sit's o* t#e tort "o+!(ained o* and t#e !(a"e #avin& t#e +ost interest in t#e !ro-(e+, e *ind, - a o* re"a!it'(ation, t#at t#e P#i(i!!ine (a on tort (ia-i(it s#o'(d #ave !ara+o'nt a!!(i"ation to and "ontro( in t#e reso('tion o* t#e (e&a( iss'es iss'es arisin arisin& & o't o* t#is t#is "ase. "ase. 8'rt#er 8'rt#er,, e #o(d #o(d t#at t#at t#e res!onden res!ondentt Re&iona( Tria( Co'rt #as 2'risdi"tion over t#e !arties and t#e s'-2e"t +atter o* t#e "o+!(aint: t#e a!!ro!riate ven'e is in 'e9on Cit, #i"# "o'(d "o'(d !ro! !ro!er( er( a!!( a!!( P#i( P#i(i! i!!i !ine ne (a (a. oreo oreove ver, r, e *ind *ind 'nte 'ntenana-(e (e !etitionerJs insisten"e t#at sin"e !rivate res!ondent instit'ted t#is s'it, Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 143


s#e #as t#e -'rden o* !(eadin& and !rovin& t#e a!!(i"a-(e Sa'di (a on t#e +atter. As a!t( said - !rivate res!ondent, s#e #as no o-(i&ation to !(ead and !rove t#e (a o* t#e Kin&do+ o* Sa'di Ara-ia sin"e #er "a'se o* a"tion is -ased on Arti"(es $% and 3$ o* t#e Civi( Code o* t#e P#i(i!!ines. In #er A+ended Co+!(aint and s'-se7'ent !(eadin&s, s#e never a((e&ed t#at Sa'di (a s#o'(d &overn t#is "ase. And as "orre"t( #e(d #e(d - t#e t#e res!on res!onde dent nt a!!e a!!e((((at ate e "o'rt "o'rt,, "ons "onsid ideri erin& n& t#at t#at it as as t#e t#e !etitioner #o as invo/in& t#e a!!(i"a-i(it o* t#e (a o* Sa'di Ara-ia, t#en t#e -'rden as on it !etitioner to !(ead and to esta-(is# #at t#e (a o* Sa'di Ara-ia is. Last(, no error "o'(d -e i+!'ted to t#e res!ondent a!!e((ate "o'rt in '!#o(din& t#e tria( "o'rtJs denia( o* de*endantJs 0#erein !etitionerJs1 +otion to dis+iss t#e "ase. Not on( as 2'risdi"tion in order and ven'e !ro! !ro!er er( ( (aid (aid,, -'t -'t a!!e a!!ea( a( a*te a*terr tria tria(( as as o-vi o-vio' o's( s( avai avai(a (a-( -(e, e, and and e;!ed e;!edititio io's 's tria tria(( itse itse(*(* indi indi"a "ate ted d - t#e t#e nat' nat're re o* t#e t#e "ase "ase at #and #and.. Ind'-i Ind'-itata-( (,, t#e P#i(i! P#i(i!!in !ines es is t#e state state inti+a inti+ate( te( "on"ern "on"erned ed it# it# t#e '(ti+ate o't"o+e o* t#e "ase -e(o, not 2'st *or t#e -ene*it o* a(( t#e (iti&ants, -'t a(so *or t#e vindi"ation o* t#e "o'ntrJs sste+ o* (a and 2'sti"e in a transnationa( settin&. Wit# t#ese &'ide(ines in +ind, t#e tria( "o'rt +'st !ro"eed to tr and ad2'd&e t#e "ase in t#e (i&#t o* re(evant P#i(i!!ine P#i(i!!ine (a, it# d'e "onsideration "onsideration o* t#e *orei&n e(e+ent e(e+ent or e(e+ents e(e+ents invo invo(v (ved ed.. Not# Not#in in& & said said #ere #erein in,, o* "o'r "o'rse se,, s#o' s#o'(d (d -e "ons "onstr tr'e 'ed d as !re2'd&in& t#e res'(ts o* t#e "ase in an +anner #atsoever.



97 F.'d 49+ 11- A.L.R.F!d. A.L.R.F!d. 7-3, -1 USL@ ''37

AGAPITA TRA)ANO: ARCHIEDES ARCHIEDES TRA)ANO, PLAINTI88S6APPELLEES, vs. 8ERDINAND E. ARCOS, DE8ENDANT, AND IEE ARCOS6ANOTOC, DE8ENDANT6APPELLANT. FACTS:

A*ter *or+er P#i(i!!ine President 8erdinand ar"os and #is da'&#ter, I+ee ar"os6anoto", *(ed to Haaii in $%, t#e ere s'ed in *edera( "o'rt - A&a!ita Tra2ano, a "iti9en o* t#e P#i(i!!ines #o t#en (ived in Haaii, *or t#e tort're and ron&*'( deat# o* Tra2ano
Did t#e US distri"t "o'rt (a"/ s'-2e"t6+atter 2'risdi"tion 'nder t#e A(ien Tort Tort Stat'te, 3 U.S.C. Se". $@B4= HELD:

es. T#e distri"t "o'rt does not (a"/ s'-2e"t6+atter 2'risdi"tion o* t#e "ase 'nder t#e A(ien Tort Tort Stat'te, 3 U.S.C.  $@B4. Se"tion $@B4 !rovides> T#e distri"t "o'rts s#a(( #ave ori&ina( 2'risdi"tion o* an "ivi( a"tion - an a(ien or a tort on(, "o++itted in vio(ation o* t#e (a o* nations or a treat o* t#e United States.

T#e A(ien Tort Stat'te as ena"ted as !art o* t#e 8irst )'di"iar A"t o* $% -'t #as se(do+ -een -een invo/ed. T#e de-ates de-ates t#at (ed to t#e A"t

8.3d , #i"# re"o&ni9ed a "a'se o* a"tion and s'-2e"t6+atter 2'risdi"tion 'nder Se". $@B4 in an a"tion -eteen Para&'aan "iti9ens *or a"ts o* tort're "o++itted in Para&'a, and - t#e Distri"t o* Co('+-ia Cir"'it in Te(6Oren v. Li-an Ara- Re!'-(i", 3 8.3d , #i"# a**ir+ed dis+issa( *or (a"/ o* s'-2e"t6 +atter 2'risdi"tion o* an a"tion - Israe(i "iti9ens a&ainst t#e Pa(estine Li-eration Or&ani9ation *or a"ts o* terroris+ in vio(ation o* internationa( (a. T#e A(ien Tort Stat'te re7'ires a "(ai+ - an a(ien, and a vio(ation o* internationa( (a. Tra2ano no (i+itations as to t#e "iti9ens#i! o* t#e de*endant, or t#e (o"'s o* t#e in2'r. ar"os6anoto"Js ar&'es t#at &enera( !rin"i!(es o* internationa( (a +a not !rovide a -asis *or *edera( "o'rt 2'risdi"tion 'nder  $@B4. Re&ard(ess o* t#e e;tent to #i"# ot#er !rin"i!(es +a a!!ro!riate( -e re(ied '!on, t#e !ro#i-ition a&ainst o**i"ia( tort're "arries it# it t#e *or"e o* a 2's "o&ens nor+, #i"#, Jen2os t#e #i&#est stat's it#in internationa( (a.J Sider+an, %B 8.3d at $B, $ 07'otin& Co++ittee o* U.S. Citi9ens Livin& in Ni"ara&'a v. Rea&an, B% 8.3d %3%, %4 0D.C.Cir.$%11. As o'r s'rve o* t#e s"#o(ar( and 2'di"ia( o!inion in Sider+an re*(e"ts, t#ere is ides!read a&ree+ent on t#is: a(( states -e(ieve tort're is ron&, a(( t#at en&a&e in tort're den it, and no state "(ai+s a soverei&n ri&#t to tort're its on "iti9ens. Under internationa( (a, an state t#at en&a&es in o**i"ia( tort're vio(ates 2's "o&ens. Sider+an at $ 0"itations o+itted1. We t#ere*ore "on"('de t#at t#e distri"t "o'rt did not err in *o'ndin& 2'risdi"tion on a vio(ation o* t#e 2's "o&ens nor+ !ro#i-itin& o**i"ia( tort're.



G.R. No. L/19'4

)cto*!r 19, 19''

THE PEOPLE O8 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS, !(ainti**6a!!e((ant, vs. WONG CHENG 0a(ias WONG CHUN1, de*endant6a!!e((ee. FACTS:

A!!e((ee is a""'sed o* #avin& i((e&a(( s+o/ed o!i'+, a-oard t#e +er"#ant vesse( C#an&sa o* En&(is# nationa(it #i(e said vesse( as an"#ored in ani(a 5a to and a #a(* +i(es *ro+ t#e s#ores o* t#e "it. T#e de+'rrer *i(ed - said a!!e((ee a((e&ed (a"/ o* 2'risdi"tion on t#e !art o* t#e (oer "o'rt, #i"# so #e(d and dis+issed t#e "ase. ISSUE:

W#et#er or not t#e P#i(i!!ine "o'rts #ave 2'risdi"tion over t#e "ri+e "o++itted a-oard +er"#ant vesse(s an"#ored in o'r 2'risdi"tiona( aters= HELD:

es. T#e "ri+e in t#e "ase at -ar as "o++itted in o'r interna( aters t#'s t#e P#i(i!!ine "o'rts #ave a ri&#t o* 2'risdi"tion over t#e said o**ense. T#e Co'rt said t#at #avin& t#e o!i'+ s+o/ed it#in o'r territoria( aters even t#o'&# a-oard a *orei&n +er"#ant s#i! is a -rea"# o* t#e !'-(i" order -e"a'se it "a'ses s'"# dr'&s to !rod'"e !erni"io's e**e"ts it#in o'r territor. T#ere*ore, t#e de+'rrer is revo/ed and t#e Co'rt ordered *'rt#er !ro"eedin&s. T#ere are to *'nda+enta( r'(es on t#is !arti"'(ar +atter in "onne"tion it# Internationa( La: to it, t#e 8ren"# r'(e, a""ordin& to #i"# "ri+es "o++itted a-oard a *orei&n +er"#ant vesse(s s#o'(d not -e !rose"'ted in t#e "o'rts o* t#e "o'ntr it#in #ose territoria( 2'risdi"tion t#e ere "o++itted, 'n(ess t#eir "o++ission a**e"ts t#e !ea"e and se"'rit o* t#e territor: and t#e En&(is# r'(e, -ased on t#e territoria( !rin"i!(e and *o((oed in t#e United States, a""ordin& to #i"#, "ri+es !er!etrated 'nder s'"# "ir"'+stan"es are in &enera( tria-(e in t#e "o'rts o* t#e "o'ntr it#in territor t#e ere "o++itted. O* t#is to r'(es, it is t#e (ast one t#at o-tains in t#is 2'risdi"tion, -e"a'se at !resent t#e t#eories and 2'ris!r'den"e !revai(in& in t#e United States on t#is +atter are a't#orit in t#e P#i(i!!ines #i"# is no a territor o* t#e United States 0e ere sti(( a US territor #en t#is as de"ided in $%331. We #ave seen t#at t#e +ere !ossession o* o!i'+ a-oard a *orei&n vesse( in transit as #e(d - t#is "o'rt not tria-(e - or "o'rts, -e"a'se it -ein& t#e !ri+ar o-2e"t o* o'r O!i'+ La to !rote"t t#e in#a-itants o* t#e P#i(i!!ines a&ainst t#e disastro's e**e"ts entai(ed - t#e 'se o* t#is dr'&, its +ere !ossession in s'"# a s#i!, it#o't -ein& 'sed in o'r territor, does not -ein& Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 147


a-o't in t#e said territor t#ose e**e"ts t#at o'r stat'te "onte+!(ates avoidin&. Hen"e s'"# a +ere !ossession is not "onsidered a dist'r-an"e o* t#e !'-(i" order. 5't to s+o/e o!i'+ it#in o'r territoria( (i+its, even t#o'&# a-oard a *orei&n +er"#ant s#i!, is "ertain( a -rea"# o* t#e !'-(i" order #ere esta-(is#ed, -e"a'se it "a'ses s'"# dr'& to !rod'"e its !erni"io's e**e"ts it#in o'r territor. It serio's( "ontravenes t#e !'r!ose t#at o'r Le&is(at're #as in +ind in ena"tin& t#e a*oresaid re!ressive stat'te. Re+anded to t#e (oer "o'rt *or *'rt#er !ro"eedin&s in a""ordan"e it# (a.



G.R. No. L/37

D!c!&*!r 1-, 191(

THE UNITED STATES, !(ainti**6a!!e((ee, vs. LOOK CHAW 0a(ias LUK CHIU1, de*endant6a!!e((ant. FACT:

5eteen $$ and $3 oJ"(o"/ a.+. in A'&'st $%, $%4%, t#e Port o* Ce-' and interna( reven'e a&ent o* Ce-', res!e"tive(, ent a-oard t#e stea+s#i! Erro(( to ins!e"t and sear"# its "ar&o, and *o'nd to sa"/s "ontainin& o!i'+. T#e de*endant stated *ree( and vo('ntari( t#at #e #ad -o'&#t t#ese sa"/s o* o!i'+ in Hon& Kon& it# t#e intention o* se((in& t#e+ as "ontra-and in e;i"o or Qera Cr'9, and t#at as #is #o(d #ad a(read -een sear"#ed severa( ti+es *or o!i'+ #e ordered to ot#er "#ina+en to /ee! t#e sa"/. A(( t#e eviden"e *o'nd !ro!er( "onstit'tes "or!'s de(i"ti. It as esta-(is#ed t#at t#e stea+s#i! Erro(( as o* En&(is# nationa(it, t#at it "a+e *ro+ Hon& Kon&, and t#at it as -o'nd *or e;i"o, via t#e "a(( !orts in ani(a and Ce-'. ISSUE:

W#et#er or not "o'rts o* (o"a( state "an e;er"ise its 2'risdi"tion over *orei&n vesse(s stationed in its !ort. HELD:

es. T#e P#i(i!!ine "o'rts #ave 2'risdi"tion over t#e +atter. T#e +ere !ossession o* a t#in& o* !ro#i-ited 'se in t#ese Is(ands, a-oard a *orei&n vesse( in transit, in an o* t#eir !orts, does not, as a &enera( r'(e, "onstit'te a "ri+e tria-(e - t#e "o'rts o* t#is "o'ntr, on a""o'nt o* s'"# vesse( -ein& "onsidered as an e;tension o* its on nationa(it. Hoever, t#e sa+e r'(e does not a!!( #en t#e arti"(e, #ose 'se is !ro#i-ited it#in t#e P#i(i!!ines, in t#e !resent "ase, a "an o* o!i'+, is (anded *ro+ t#e vesse( '!on t#e P#i(i!!ine soi(, t#'s "o++ittin& an o!en vio(ation o* t#e !ena( (a in *or"e at t#e !(a"e o* t#e "o++ission o* t#e "ri+e. On( t#e "o'rt esta-(is#ed in t#e said !(a"e itse(* #as "o+!etent 2'risdi"tion, in t#e a-sen"e o* an a&ree+ent 'nder an internationa( treat.



G.R. No. L/7991

2# '1, 193-.

PAUL ACDONALD, ET AL., +etitioners, vs. THE NATIONAL CIT 5ANK O8 NEW ORK, espondent . FACTS:

Stasi/ino"e is a !artners#i! *or+ed - da Costa, Gor"e, K'si/ and Gavino. It as denied re&istration - t#e Se"'rit and E;"#an&e Co++ission d'e to a "on*'sion -eteen t#e !artners#i! and Cardina( Rattan. Cardina( Rattan is t#e -'siness na+e or st(e 'sed - Stasi/ino"e. Da Costa and Gor"e are t#e &enera( !artners o* Cardina( Rattan. oreover, Da Costa is t#e +ana&in& !artner o* Cardina( Rattan. Stasi/ino"e #ad an overdra*t a""o'nt it# Nationa( Cit 5an/, #i"# as (ater "onverted into an ordinar (oan d'e t#e !artners#i!
S#o'(d t#e !artners#i!, Stasi/ino"e -e esto!!ed *ro+ assertin& t#at it does not #ave 2'ridi"a( !ersona(it sin"e it is an 'nre&istered "o++er"ia( !artners#i!= HELD:

es. W#i(e an 'nre&istered "o++er"ia( !artners#i! #as no 2'ridi"a( !ersona(it, nevert#e(ess, #ere to or +ore !ersons atte+!t to "reate a !artners#i! *ai(in& to "o+!( it# a(( t#e (e&a( *or+a(ities, t#e (a "onsiders t#e+ as !artners and t#e asso"iation is a !artners#i! in so *ar as it is a *avora-(e to t#ird !ersons, - reason o* t#e e7'ita-(e !rin"i!(e o* esto!!e(. W#ere a !artners#i! not d'( or&ani9ed #as -een re"o&ni9ed as s'"# in its dea(in&s it# "ertain !ersons, it s#a(( -e "onsidered as !artners#i! - esto!!e( and t#e !ersons dea(in& it# it are esto!!ed *ro+ denin& its !artners#i! e;isten"e. Da Costa and Gor"e "annot den t#at t#e are !artners o* t#e !artners#i! Stasi/ino"e, -e"a'se in a(( t#eir transa"tions it# t#e Nationa( Cit 5an/ t#e re!resented t#e+se(ves as s'"#. "Dona(d "annot dis"(ai+ /no(ed&e o* t#e !artners#i! Stasi/ino"e -e"a'se #e dea(t it# said entit in !'r"#asin& to o* t#e ve#i"(es in 7'estion t#ro'&# Gor"e and Da Costa. T#e sa(e o* t#e ve#i"(es to a"Dona(d -ein& void, t#e sa(e to Gon9a(es is a(so void sin"e a -'er "annot #ave a -etter ri&#t t#an t#e se((er. As as #e(d in 5e#n eer V Co. vs. Rosat9in, #ere a !artners#i! not d'( or&ani9ed #as -een re"o&ni9ed as s'"# in its dea(in&s it# "ertain !ersons, it s#a(( -e "onsidered as !artners#i! - esto!!e( and t#e !ersons dea(in& it# it are esto!!ed *ro+ denin& its !artners#i! e;isten"e. I* t#e (a re"o&ni9es a de*e"tive( or&ani9ed Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 150


!artners#i! as de *a"to as *ar as t#ird !ersons are "on"erned, *or !'r!oses o* its de *a"to e;isten"e it s#o'(d #ave s'"# attri-'te o* a !artners#i! as do+i"i(e.



G.R. No. 799-

S!5t!&*!r 14, 199(

GRANGER ASSOCIATES, !etitioner, vs. ICROWAQE SSTES, INC., LORETO 8. STEWARD, ENARDO R. )IENEZ and )OHN PALER, res!ondents. FACTS:

T#e *orei&n "or!oration Gran&er Asso"iates, t#e #erein !etitioner, #i"# as or&ani9ed in t#e United States and #as no (i"ense to do -'siness in t#is "o'ntr s'ed t#e do+esti" "or!oration, i"roave Sste+s, In". 0SI1, one o* t#e #erein !rivate res!ondents *or re"over o* a s'+ e7'iva(ent to US%44,@@.@4 a((e&ed( d'e *ro+ it to t#e !etitioner. T#e "(ai+ arose *ro+ a series o* a&ree+ents "on"('ded -eteen t#e to !arties, !rin"i!a(( t#e "ontra"t dated ar"# 3, $%, 'nder #i"# Gran&er (i"ensed SI to +an'*a"t're and se(( its !rod'"ts in t#e P#i(i!!ines and e;tended to t#e (atter "ertain (oans, e7'i!+ent and !arts: t#e "ontra"t dated a $, $%%, *or t#e sa(e - Gran&er o* its ode( $44F344 '(ti!(e; E7'i!+ent to SI and t#e S'!!(e+enta( and A+endator A&ree+ent "on"('ded in De"e+-er $%%. Pa+ent o* t#ese "ontra"ts not #avin& -een +ade as a&reed '!on, Gran&er *i(ed a "o+!(aint a&ainst SI and t#e ot#er !rivate res!ondents on )'ne 3%, $%, in t#e Re&iona( Tria( Co'rt o* Pasa Cit. T#is as do"/eted as Civi( Case No. $%36P. In its anser, SI a((e&ed t#e a**ir+ative de*ense t#at t#e !(ainti** #ad no "a!a"it to s'e, -ein& an 'n(i"ensed *orei&n "or!oration, and +oved to dis+iss. T#e (a invo/ed - t#e de*endants as Se"tion $@@ o* t#e Cor!oration Code readin& as *o((os> No *orei&n "or!oration transa"tin& -'siness in t#e P#i(i!!ines it#o't a (i"ense, or its s'""essors or assi&ns, s#a(( -e !er+itted to +aintain or intervene in an a"tion, s'it or !ro"eedin& in an "o'rt or ad+inistrative a&en" o* t#e P#i(i!!ines: ... T#e tria( "o'rt, a*ter "onsiderin& t#e eviden"e o* t#e !arties in (i&#t o* t#eir res!e"tive +e+oranda, s'stained t#e de*endants and &ranted t#e +otion to dis+iss. On a!!ea(, t#e order o* dis+issa( as a**ir+ed - t#e res!ondent "o'rt !ro+!tin& t#e !resent !etition 'nder R'(e B o* t#e R'(es o* Co'rt. In t#is !etition, Gran&er see/s t#e reversa( o* t#e res!ondent "o'rt on t#e &ro'nd t#at SI #as *ai(ed to !rove its a**ir+ative a((e&ation t#at Gran&er as transa"tin& -'siness in t#e P#i(i!!ines. It insists t#at it #as dea(t on( it# SI and not t#e &enera( !'-(i" and "ontends t#at dea(in& it# t#e !'-(i" itse(* is an indis!ensa-(e in&redient o* transa"tin& -'siness. It a(so ar&'es t#at its a&ree+ents it# SI "overed on( one iso(ated transa"tion *or #i"# it did not #ave to se"'re a (i"ense to -e a-(e to *i(e its "o+!(aint. ISSUE: Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 152


Is t#e !etitioner doin& -'siness in t#e P#i(i!!ines= RULING:

A""ordin& to Se"tion $ o* Re!. A"t No. BBB  ...t#e !#rase doin& -'siness s#a(( in"('de so(i"itin& orders, !'r"#ases, servi"e "ontra"ts, o!enin& o**i"es #et#er "a((ed (iaison o**i"es or -ran"#es: a!!ointin& re!resentatives or distri-'tors do+i"i(ed in t#e P#i(i!!ines or #o in an "a(endar ear sta in t#e P#i(i!!ines *or a !eriod or !eriods tota((in& one #'ndred ei&#t das or +ore: !arti"i!atin& in t#e +ana&e+ent, s'!ervision or "ontro( o* an do+esti" -'siness *ir+, entit or "or!oration in t#e P#i(i!!ines: an ot#er a"t or a"ts t#at i+!( a "ontin'it o* "o++er"ia( dea(in&s or arran&e+ents and "onte+!(ates to t#at e;tent t#e !er*or+an"e o* a"ts or or/s, or t#e e;er"ise o* so+e o* t#ese *'n"tions nor+a(( in"ident to, and in !ro&ressive !rose"'tion o*, "o++er"ia( &ain or o* t#e !'r!ose and o-2e"t o* t#e -'siness or&ani9ation.

Wit# t#e e;a+ination o* t#e ter+s and "onditions o* t#e "ontra"ts and a&ree+ents entered into -eteen !etitioner and !rivate res!ondents, it indi"ates t#at t#e esta-(is#ed it#in o'r "o'ntr a "ontin'o's -'siness, and not +ere( one o* a te+!orar "#ara"ter. S'"# a&ree+ents did not "onstit'te on( one iso(ated transa"tion, as t#e !etitioner "ontends, -'t a s'""ession o* a"ts si&ni*in& t#e intent o* Gran&er to e;tend its o!erations in t#e P#i(i!!ines. In an event, it is no sett(ed t#at even one sin&(e transa"tion +a -e "onstr'ed as transa"tin& -'siness in t#e P#i(i!!ines 'nder "ertain "ir"'+stan"es, as e o-served in 8ar East Internationa( I+!ort and E;!ort Cor!oration v. Nan/ai Ko&o Co., Ltd., t#'s> T#e r'(e stated in t#e !re"edin& se"tion t#at t#e doin& o* a sin&(e a"t does not "onstit'te -'siness it#in t#e +eanin& o* stat'tes !res"ri-in& t#e "onditions to -e "o+!(ied it# - *orei&n "or!orations +'st -e 7'a(i*ied to t#is e;tent, t#at a sin&(e a"t +a -rin& t#e "or!oration it#in t#e !'rvie o* t#e stat'te #ere it is an a"t o* t#e ordinar -'siness o* t#e "or!oration. In s'"# a "ase, t#e sin&(e a"t or transa"tion is not +ere( in"identa( or "as'a(, -'t is o* s'"# "#ara"ter as distin"t( to indi"ate a !'r!ose on t#e !art o* t#e *orei&n "or!oration to do ot#er -'siness in t#e state, and to +a/e t#e state a -ase o* o!erations *or t#e "ond'"t o* a !art o* t#e "or!orationsJ ordinar -'siness. 0$ 8(et"#ers C". o* Cor!orations, se". 4, !!. B3, B@, and a't#orities "ited t#erein.1 T#e !etitioner stresses t#at #oever +a/es a**ir+ative aver+ents #as t#e o-(i&ation to !rove s'"# aver+ents and !oints o't t#at t#e !rivate res!ondent #as not esta-(is#ed its a((e&ation t#at t#e !etitioner is doin& -'siness in t#e P#i(i!!ines. On t#e ot#er #and, it is a(so t#e r'(e t#at t#e *a"t'a( *indin&s o* t#e (oer "o'rt are -indin& on t#is Co'rt in t#e a-sen"e o* an o* t#ose e;"e!tiona( "ir"'+stan"es e #ave en'+erated in +an "ases t#at arrant a di**erent "on"('sion. Havin& assai(ed t#e *indin& o* t#e res!ondent "o'rt t#at t#e !etitioner is doin& -'siness in t#e P#i(i!!ines, t#e !etitioner #ad t#e -'rden o* s#oin& t#at s'"# *indin& *e(( 'nder t#e e;"e!tion rat#er t#an t#e r'(e and so s#o'(d -e revieed and reversed. T#e !etitioner #as not done t#is. Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 153


T#e !'r!ose o* t#e r'(e re7'irin& *orei&n "or!orations to se"'re a (i"ense to do -'siness in t#e P#i(i!!ines is to ena-(e 's to e;er"ise 2'risdi"tion over t#e+ *or t#e re&'(ation o* t#eir a"tivities in t#is "o'ntr. I* a *orei&n "or!oration o!erates in t#e P#i(i!!ines it#o't s'-+ittin& to o'r (as, it is on( 2'st t#at it not -e a((oed to invo/e t#e+ in o'r "o'rts #en it s#o'(d need t#e+ (ater *or its on !rote"tion. W#i(e *orei&n investors are a(as e("o+e in t#is (and to "o((a-orate it# 's *or o'r +'t'a( -ene*it, t#e +'st -e !re!ared as an indis!ensa-(e "ondition to res!e"t and -e -o'nd - P#i(i!!ine (a in !ro!er "ases, as in t#e one at -ar. WHERE8ORE t#e !etition is DENIED, Gran&er is "onsidered doin& -'siness in t#e P#i(i!!ines.



G.R. No. L/+-9

J#nu#r +1, 193'

S. DAQIS WINSHIP, !(ainti**6a!!e((ant, vs. PHILIPPINE TRUST COPAN, de*endant6a!!e((ee. FACTS:

Eastern Is(es I+!ort "or!oration and Eastern Is(es, In"., are "or!orations or&ani9ed 'nder and are e;istin& - virt'e o* t#e (as o* t#e P#i(i!!ines, a(( o* t#e "a!ita( sto"/ o* #i"# are oned - A+eri"an "iti9en, e;"e!t, in Eastern Is(es I+!ort, one s#are o* t#e "a!ita( sto"/ as oned - Antonia Sevi((a and anot#er s#are as oned - Ed+'nd S"#isin&er and in Eastern Is(es In"., one s#are as oned - 8. Ca!istrano, #o #ad a "'rrent a""o'nt de!osit it# t#e P#i(i!!ine Tr'st Co+!an a+o'ntin& PB$,$4.44 and P@,3. res!e"tive(. T#e )a!anese i(itar Ad+inistration in t#e P#i(i!!ines iss'ed an order re7'irin& a(( de!osit a""o'nts o* t#e #osti(e !eo!(e to -e trans*erred to t#e -an/ o* Taian, as t#e de!ositar o* t#e )a!anese i(itar Ad+inistration. T#e P#i(i!!ine Tr'st Co+!an "o+!(ied it# t#e said order and trans*erred and !aid t#e "redit -a(an"es o* t#e "'rrent a""o'nt de!osits o* t#e Eastern Is(es I+!ort Cor!oration and o* t#e Eastern Is(es, In". to t#e 5an/ o* Taian. T#e !re6ar "'rrent de!osit a""o'nts o* t#e Eastern Is(es I+!ort Cor!oration and o* t#e Eastern Is(es, In". ere s'-se7'ent( trans*erred to S. Davis Wins#i!, #o !resented to t#e P#i(i!!ine Tr'st Co+!an "#e"/s Nos. A6 %3$3 and H6B%4$ "overin& t#e a*oresaid de!osits. T#e P#i(i!!ine Tr'st Co+!an, #oever, re*'sed to !a said "#e"/s. S. Davis Wins#i! instit'ted t#e !resent a"tion a&ainst t#e P#i(i!!ine Tr'st Co+!an in t#e Co'rt o* 8irst Instan"e o* ani(a, to re"over '!on t#e *irst "a'se o* a"tion t#e s'+ o* PB$,$4.%$ and 'nder t#e se"ond "a'se o* a"tion t#e s'+ o* P@,3.. In its anser, t#e de*endant P#i(i!!ine tr'st Co+!an invo/ed t#e order o* t#e )a!anese i(itar Ad+inistration - virt'e o* #i"# it trans*erred t#e "'rrent de!osit a""o'nts in 7'estion to t#e 5an/ o* Taian. A*ter tria(, t#e Co'rt o* 8irst Instan"e o* ani(a rendered a de"ision '!#o(din& t#e "ontention o* t#e de*endant and a""ordin&( dis+issin& t#e "o+!(aint. ISSUE:

Is t#e P#i(i!!ine Tr'st Co+!an "orre"t in re*'sin& not to !a t#e "#e"/ a+o'ntin& to P#! B$, $4.%$ and P#! @, 3.= RULING:

In vie o* t#is !rono'n"e+ent, e #ave to a**ir+ t#e a!!ea(ed 2'd&+ent. As it #as -een sti!'(ated - t#e !arties t#at t#e de*endant trans*erred t#e de!osits in 7'estion to t#e 5an/ o* Taian in "o+!(ian"e it# t#e order o* t#e )a!anese i(itar Ad+inistration, t#e de*endant as re(eased *ro+ an o-(i&ation to t#e de!ositors or t#eir trans*eree. A!!e((antJs "ontention t#at t#ere is no !ositive s#oin& t#at t#e trans*er as +ade - t#e P#i(i!!ine Tr'st Co+!an in "o+!(ian"e it# t#e order o* t#e )a!anese i(itar Ad+inistration, and its (o&i"a( Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 155


e**e"t is to +a/e s'"# a"t -indin& on said "o+!an. At an rate, t#e de*endant "or!oration #as not i+!'&ned its va(idit. T#e nationa(it o* a !rivate "or!oration is deter+ined - t#e "#ara"ter or "iti9ens#i! o* its "ontro((in& sto"/#o(ders: and t#is !rono'n"e+ent is o* "o'rse de"isive as to t#e #osti(e "#ara"ter o* t#e Eastern Is(es, In"., as *ar as t#e )a!anese i(itar Ad+inistration as "on"erned, it -ein& "on"eded t#at t#e "ontro((in& sto"/#o(ders o* said "or!orations ere A+eri"an "iti9ens. W#ere*ore, t#e a!!ea(ed 2'd&+ent is a**ir+ed, it# "osts a&ainst t#e a!!e((ant. So ordered.



G.R. No. L/41++7

Jun! +(, 19

TAN 5OON 5EE V CO., INC., !etitioner, vs. THE HONORA5LE HILARION U. )ARENCIO, PRESIDING )UDGE O8 5RANCH QIII o* t#e Co'rt o* 8irst Instan"e o* ani(a, GRAPHIC PU5LISHING, INC., and PHILIPPINE AERICAN CAN DRUG COPAN, res!ondents. FACTS:

In $%3, An"#or S'!!( Co. 0ASC1, t#ro'&# Tan 5oon 5ee, entered into a "ontra"t o* sa(e it# Gra!#i" P'-(is#in& In". 0GPI1 #ere- ASC s#a(( de(iver !a!er !rod'"ts to GPI. GPI !aid a don !a+ent -'t de*a'(ted in !ain& t#e rest des!ite de+and *ro+ ASC. ASC s'ed GPI and ASC on. To satis* t#e inde-tedness, t#e tria( "o'rt, !resided - )'d&e Hi(arion )aren"io, ordered t#at one o* t#e !rintin& +a"#ines o* GPI -e a'"tioned. 5't -e*ore t#e a'"tion "an -e #ad, P#i(i!!ine A+eri"an Dr'& Co+!an 0PADCO1 noti*ied t#e s#eri** t#at PADCO is t#e a"t'a( oner o* said !rintin& +a"#ine. Notit#standin&, t#e s#eri** sti(( ent on it# t#e a'"tion sa(e #ere Tan 5oon 5ee as t#e #i&#est -idder. Later, PADCO *i(ed it# t#e sa+e "o'rt a +otion to n'((i* t#e sa(e on e;e"'tion. T#e tria( "o'rt r'(ed in *avor o* PADCO and it n'((i*ied said a'"tion sa(e. Tan 5oon 5ee assai(ed t#e order o* t#e tria( "o'rt. Tan 5oon 5ee averred t#at PADCO #o(ds B4 o* GPI: t#at t#e -oard o* dire"tors o* PADCO and GPI is t#e sa+e: t#at t#e vei( o* "or!orate *i"tion s#o'(d -e !ier"ed -ased on t#e !re+ises. PADCO on t#e ot#er #and asserts oners#i! over t#e said !rintin& +a"#ine: t#at it is +ere( (easin& it to GPI. ISSUES:

$. W#et#er or not t#e res!ondent 2'd&e &rave( e;"eeded, i* not a"ted it#o't 2'risdi"tion #en #e a"ted '!on t#e +otion o* PADCO. 3. W#et#er or not t#e res!ondent 2'd&e &rave( a-'sed #is dis"retion #en #e re*'sed to !ier"e t#e PADCO
Petitioner "ontends t#at res!ondent 2'd&e &rave( e;"eeded, i* not, a"ted it#o't 2'risdi"tion, in n'((i*in& t#e s#eri**s sa(e not on( -e"a'se Se"tion $, R'(e @% o* t#e R'(es o* Co'rt as not "o+!(ied it#, -'t +ore i+!ortant( -e"a'se PADCO "o'(d not #ave (iti&ated its "(ai+ in t#e sa+e "ase, -'t in an inde!endent "ivi( !ro"eedin&. T#is "ontention is e((6ta/en. Se"tion $ o* R'(e @% o* t#e Revised R'(es o* Co'rt, t#e ri&#ts o* t#ird6!art "(ai+ants over "ertain !ro!erties (evied '!on - t#e s#eri** to satis* t#e 2'd&+ent s#o'(d not -e de"ided in t#e a"tion #ere t#e t#ird6!art "(ai+s #ave -een !resented, -'t in t#e se!arate a"tion instit'ted - t#e "(ai+ants. Ot#erise stated, t#e "o'rt iss'in& a rit o* e;e"'tion is s'!!osed to en*or"e t#e a't#orit on( over !ro!erties o* t#e 2'd&+ent de-tor, and s#o'(d a t#ird !art a!!ea(6 to "(ai+ t#e !ro!ert (evied '!on - t#e s#eri**, t#e !ro"ed're (aid don - t#e R'(es is t#at s'"# "(ai+ s#o'(d -e t#e s'-2e"t o* a se!arate and inde!endent a"tion. Digested Cases Coni!t of Laws 157


Hoever, t#e *a"t t#at !etitioner 7'estioned t#e 2'risdi"tion o* t#e "o'rt d'rin& t#e initia( #earin& o* t#e "ase -'t nevert#e(ess a"tive( !arti"i!ated in t#e tria(, -ars it *ro+ 7'estionin& no t#e "o'rtJs 2'risdi"tion. A !art #o vo('ntari( !arti"i!ated in t#e tria(, (i/e t#e #erein !etitioner, "annot (ater on raise t#e iss'e o* t#e "o'rtJs (a"/ o* 2'risdi"tion. As to t#e se"ond iss'e 0t#e non6!ier"in& o* PADCOJs "or!orate Identit1,it is tr'e t#at a "or!oration, '!on "o+in& into -ein&, is invested - (a it# a !ersona(it se!arate and distin"t *ro+ t#at o* t#e !ersons "o+!osin& it as e(( as *ro+ an ot#er (e&a( entit to #i"# it +a -e re(ated. As a +atter o* *a"t, t#e do"trine t#at a "or!oration is a (e&a( entit distin"t and se!arate *ro+ t#e +e+-ers and sto"/#o(ders #o "o+!ose it is re"o&ni9ed and res!e"ted in a(( "ases #i"# are it#in reason and t#e (a. Hoever, t#is se!arate and distin"t !ersona(it is +ere( a *i"tion "reated - (a *or "onvenien"e and to !ro+ote 2'sti"e. A""ordin&(, t#is se!arate !ersona(it o* t#e "or!oration +a -e disre&arded, or t#e vei( o* "or!orate *i"tion !ier"ed, in "ases #ere it is 'sed as a "(oa/ or "over *or *ra'd or i((e&a(it, or to or/ an in2'sti"e, or #ere ne"essar to a"#ieve e7'it or #en ne"essar *or t#e !rote"tion o* "reditors. Cor!orations are "o+!osed o* nat'ra( !ersons and t#e (e&a( *i"tion o* a se!arate "or!orate !ersona(it is not a s#ie(d *or t#e "o++ission o* in2'sti"e and ine7'it. Li/eise, t#is is tr'e #en t#e "or!oration is +ere( an ad2'n"t, -'siness "ond'it or a(ter e&o o* anot#er "or!oration. In s'"# "ase, t#e *i"tion o* se!arate and distin"t "or!oration entities s#o'(d -e disre&arded.



G.R. No. L/4(1-+

Jun! 19, 19'

LEQITON INDUSTRIES, NENA DE LA CRUZ LI, DOINGO GO, and LI KIAT vs. HON. SERA8IN SALQADOR, )'d&e, Co'rt o* 8irst Instan"e o* Ri9a(, Ca(oo"an Cit, 5ran"# IQ and LEQITON ANU8ACTURING CO., INC. FACTS:

Private res!ondent Leviton an'*a"t'rin& Co. In". *i(ed a "o+!(aint *or 'n*air "o+!etition a&ainst !etitioners Leviton Ind'stries -e*ore t#e Co'rt o* 8irst Instan"e o* Ri9a( 0RTC1, !resided - res!ondent )'d&e Sera*in Sa(vador. T#e "o+!(aint s'-stantia(( a((e&es t#at !(ainti** 0Leviton an'*a"t'rin&1 is a *orei&n "or!oration or&ani9ed and e;istin& 'nder t#e (as o* t#e State o* Ne or/, United States o* A+eri"a it# o**i"e (o"ated at 3@ Green!oint Aven'e, 5roo/(n Cit, State o* Ne or/, U.S.A. T#at de*endant Leviton Ind'stries is a !artners#i! or&ani9ed and e;istin& 'nder t#e (as o* t#e P#i(i!!ines it# !rin"i!a( o**i"e at @3 $4t# Aven'e, Gra"e Par/, Ca(oo"an Cit: #i(e de*endants Nena de (a Cr'9 Li+, Do+in&o Go and Li+ Kiat are t#e !artners, it# de*endant Do+in&o Go a"tin& as Genera( ana&er o* de*endant Leviton Ind'stries. T#at !(ainti**, *o'nded in $%4 - Isidor Leviton, is t#e (ar&est +an'*a"t'rer o* e(e"tri"a( irin& devi"es in t#e United States 'nder t#e trade+ar/ Leviton, #i"# vario's e(e"tri"a( irin& devi"es -earin& t#e trade+ar/ Leviton and trade na+e Leviton an'*a"t'rin& Co., In". #ad -een e;!orted to t#e P#i(i!!ines sin"e $%B: t#at d'e to t#e s'!erior 7'a(it and ides!read 'se o* its !rod'"ts - t#e !'-(i", t#e sa+e are e(( /non to 8i(i!ino "ons'+ers 'nder t#e trade na+e Leviton an'*a"t'rin& Co., In". and trade+ar/ Leviton: t#at (on& s'-se7'ent to t#e 'se o* !(ainti**

De*endants +oved to dis+iss t#e "o+!(aint *or *ai('re to state a "a'se o* a"tion, drain& attention to t#e !(ainti**
Did t#e !(ainti** 0Leviton an'*a"t'rin&1 #erein res!ondents, *ai(ed to a((e&e t#e essentia( *a"ts -earin& its "a!a"it to s'e -e*ore P#i(i!!ine "o'rts= RULING:

es. We a&ree it# !etitioners t#at res!ondent Leviton ar/etin& Co., In". #ad *ai(ed to a((e&e t#e essentia( *a"ts -earin& '!on its "a!a"it to s'e -e*ore P#i(i!!ine "o'rts. Private res!ondent Se". 3$6A. An *orei&n "or!oration or 2'risti" !erson to #i"# a +ar/ or tradena+e #as -een re&istered or assi&ned 'nder t#is A"t +a -rin& an a"tion #ere'nder *or in*rin&e+ent, *or 'n*air "o+!etition, or *a(se desi&nation o* ori&in and *a(se des"ri!tion, #et#er or not it #as -een (i"ensed to do -'siness in t#e P#i(i!!ines 'nder A"t n'+-ered 8o'rteen H'ndred and 8i*t6Nine, as a+ended, ot#erise /non as t#e Cor!oration La, at t#e ti+e it -rin&s t#e "o+!(aint: Provided, T#at t#e "o'ntr o* #i"# t#e said *orei&n "or!oration or 2'risti" !erson is a "iti9en, or in #i"# it is do+i"i(ed, - treat, "onvention or (a, &rants a si+i(ar !rivi(e&e to "or!orate or 2'risti" !ersons o* t#e P#i(i!!ines. 0As a+ended - R.A. No. @1 Undo'-ted(, t#e *ore&oin& se"tion &rants to a *orei&n "or!oration, #et#er or not (i"ensed to do -'siness in t#e P#i(i!!ines, t#e ri&#t to see/ redress *or 'n*air "o+!etition -e*ore P#i(i!!ine "o'rts. 5't t#e said (a is not it#o't 7'a(i*i"ations. Its (itera( tenor indi"ates as a "ondition sine 7'a non t#e re&istration o* t#e trade +ar/ o* t#e s'in& *orei&n "or!oration it# t#e P#i(i!!ine Patent O**i"e or, in t#e (east, t#at it -e an assi&nee o* s'"# re&istered trade+ar/. T#e said se"tion *'rt#er re7'ires t#at t#e "o'ntr, o* #i"# t#e !(ainti** *orei&n "or!oration or 2'risti" !erson is a "iti9en or do+i"i((iar, &rants to 8i(i!ino "or!orations or 2'risti" entities t#e sa+e re"i!ro"a( treat+ent, eit#er t#r' treat, "onvention or (a, A(( t#at is a((e&ed in !rivate res!ondent

Case Digest Conflict Final

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