Sunday, December 18, 2011

Ghost writing: TRO

the following is my attempt to write a blog in accordance with the arguments raised by a potential employer of mine. Excuse the "sabawness". 



Re: TRO dated 15 November 2011 against the DOJ


Facts
The former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her husband wanted to go abroad to seek medical treatment for her metabolic bone disease. But they cannot leave the country as they were placed in the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Watchlist Order. The spouses were subject to preliminary investigation for plunder, malversation of public funds, election fraud, among others.
Initially, the spouses filed a request for the issuance of an Allow Departure Order from the DOJ. However, this request was denied by the DOJ, primarily due to the inconsistencies of the basis offered by the former president as to her request to travel abroad. The more pressing reason further raised by DOJ is the fear that the Arroyos may escape the country – and therefore escape prosecution – principally because the countries where the Arroyos are heading does not have extradition treaties with the Philippines.
Having failed in their first attempt, the Arroyos now sought to assail the constitutionality of DOJ Circular No. 41, the circular which authorizes the DOJ to issue watchlist orders. They also sought to nullify the Watchlist Orders issued against them by the DOJ. Their main arguments is hinged on the right of the Arroyos to travel, as well as the lack of sufficient standards that the DOJ Secretary should follow in issuing watchlist orders.
Further, the Arroyos filed a petition for the issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against the enforcement of the same DOJ issuances they were assailing. The Supreme Court granted this petition in a decision dated 15 November 2011, albeit with some conditions imposed.
Even when the said TRO was allegedly immediately executory, the DOJ did not follow the said TRO, claiming that they did not receive any copy of it. The DOJ subsequently moved for the lifting of the said TRO, which was however denied by the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court was not able to make a final determination of the constitutionality of the assailed DOJ issuances because the Commission on Elections filed electoral sabotage cases with the Regional Trial Court of Pasay. Still, the Supreme Court may  be said to already have ruled on the merits of the case when they issued the TRO.

The Arroyos have not sufficiently established their right to the issuance of a TRO
The Supreme Court previously that writs of preliminary injunction should be granted only to cases of great injury, where courts of law cannot afford an adequate or commensurate remedy in damages.
                Statutes enjoy the presumption of constitutionality or validity and the burden of proving its unconstitutionality or invalidity rests on the party assailing it. There are two conditions before a court could issue a writ of preliminary injunction (which includes a TRO)in cases where the act of a co-equal branch of government is being assailed: the petitioners should first show that the issuance assailed is patently unconstitutional; and second, the petitioners should show a clear legal right to be protected which would be materially and substantially invaded if the writ of preliminary injunction would not be issued.  The Supreme Court, however, granted the TRO even when the Arroyos have not satisfactorily shown the existence of the said requirements.
                As to the first requirement, the Arroyos were assailing the DOJ issuances for violating their right to travel. However, the right to travel is not absolute. It may be limited when the needs of "national security, public safety, or public health” requires it, and "as may be provided by law." Further, they argue that the DOJ Secretary is given broad discretion as to the issuance of watchlist orders. This, however, may not be determined in a mere ex parte hearing.
                Although a TRO may be issued ex parte, the court could only do so when the Arroyos would suffer grave injustice or irreparable injury. This goes to the second requirement for the issuance of a TRO: that a clear legal right would be materially and substantially invaded.
 The grave injustice or irreparable injury alleged by the Arroyos would be the worsening of her disease if she is not treated outside the Philippines. However, this injury is merely imagined. As we can see now, even if the former president has not received treatment from abroad, her condition has not worsened to the point of her dying.  Even the certification from her doctors belie her “life-threatening” condition. Clearly, the denial of a TRO would not cause her grave injustice nor irreparable injury. The Philippines would suffer more if she would be allowed to travel to countries without extradition treaties with the Philippines, effectively removing her from the jurisdiction of the prosecution system of the country.

There is already a predetermination of the case
The Supreme Court generally maintained that courts should avoid issuing writ of preliminary injunctions which would in effect dispose of the main case without trial. The rule is intended to preclude a prejudgment of the main case and a reversal of the rule on the burden of proof since by issuing the injunctive writ, the court would assume the proposition that the petitioners are inceptively duty bound to prove.
This is especially so when the acts of a co-equal branch is assailed and its enforcement is sought to be enjoined. The Courts should first be convinced that the assailed issuance is patently illegal and that the petitioner would suffer grave injustice or irreparable injury if the TRO would not be granted. When the court issues a writ of preliminary injunction, in effect it accepts the claim that the assailed government issuance is patently invalid.
A TRO is a species of the writ of preliminary injunction. Although limited in duration, it gives the parties a brief relief from the effects of the act they are assailing.
Here, the Arroyos assailed the constitutionality of DOJ Circular No. 41 and the watchlist orders issued against them. Their main goal is to leave the country, allegedly to seek treatment in other countries for the former President’s “life-threatening” disease.
The TRO would have allowed the Arroyos to leave the country. The minimum of seventy-two hours effectivity of the TRO would be enough for the spouses to leave the country and escape Philippine jurisdiction over their persons. In granting the TRO, the Supreme Court virtually granted the main relief sought by the Arroyos even if they failed to sufficiently prove their case. Regardless if the constitutionality or the legality of the DOJ issuances would be resolved against them, they are already out of the jurisdiction of the Philippines.
Every court should remember that an injunction is a limitation upon the freedom of action of the defendant and should not be granted lightly or precipitately. It should be granted only when the court is fully satisfied that the law permits it and the emergency demands it.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Parole vs. Probation


Parole
Probation
Applicable Law
ISL (RA 4103, as amended)
Probation law (PD 968)
When to apply
When Minimum of the Indeterminate Sentence served
Within the period for perfecting the appeal of TC decision
Who qualified
Those who served the minimum of the indeterminate sentence
  1. First time minor offenders under RA 9165 (even if period of imprisonment is higher than allowed, but discretionary on the court)
  2. Child in Conflict with the Law (RA 9344)
Who are Disqualified
  1. Sentenced to a term of imprisonment of one year or less
  2. Sentence is a straight penalty
  3. Prison Sentence w/o  a minimum term of imprisonment (when no ISL?)
  1. Sentenced to serve a maximum term of imprisonment for more than 6 years
  2. Convicted of subversion/any offense against the security of the state/public order
  3. Previously convicted by final judgment of offense punishable by imprisonment of NOT LESS THAN 1 M,1D or a FINE FOF NOT MORE THAN P200
  4. Those who already availed of probation before
  5. Drug traffickers and drug pushers under RA 9165
  6. Those who are already serving sentence
  7. Those who have already appealed
Conditions of granting



  1. WON the minimum of the indeterminate sentence served
  2. Physical/mental/moral record of the prisoner
  3. Report of prisoner's work and conduct shows REASONABLE PROBABILITY that the prisoner will and remain at liberty w/o violating the law
  1. Should have already been convicted of final judgment punishable by 6 years or less  prison term
  2. Should have not appealed
  3. Not disqualified
Conditions pending grant
Upon release, should report to the designated parole officer for period of surveillance
    Upon issuance of Probation Order by the Court, probationer should:
  1. Present himself to the probation officer designated to undertake his supervision w/n 72h from receipt of the order
  2. Report at least 1x/m
  3. Other conditions as the court may require which should not infringe on probationer's consti rights and should help the probationer develop into a law-abiding citizen.
Who grants
Board of Pardons and Parole
RTC which convicted
Effect


After serving the minimum of his indeterminate sentence, the prisoner is released and is required to report to his designated parole officer until final release and discharge by the Board is issued
A person is convicted of a criminal offense but is not sent to prison and is placed under the supervision of a probation officer subject to the conditions which the court may impose
Duration
    During period of surveillance
  1. Remaining portion of maximum sentence imposed
  2. Until final release and discharge of Board
  1. If sentence not more than 1 year: should not exceed 2 years
  2. If sentence  1 yr or more: shall not exceed 6 years
  3. If fine only + subsidiary penalty: shall not be less or more than 2x the total number of days of subsidiary imprisonment
What if violate conditions
Shall be rearrested and recommitted or returned to prison to serve the unexpired portion of the maximum of his sentence
The convict shall serve the penalty imposed in the sentence

Would have been punished lightly, if not for the law...


  • Accomplices in rape, acts of lasciviousness, abduction, seduction, corruption of minors, white slavery are treated as PRINCIPALS
  • Accessories in theft and robbery, who profitted from the proceeds of the crime, and knew or should have known that the objects were fruits of the crime, would be liable as PRINCIPALS of Fencing (actually, just violators of Anti-Fencing law)
  • Accessories who aids pirates or highway robbers/brigands or abets piracy or highway robbery/brigandage under PD 532 are treated as ACCOMPLICES
  • Accessories who use counterfeit seal of RP, stamp or signature of the Chief Executive (so there's already a crime - forging) are in effect treated as ACCOMPLICES (punished 1, instead of 2, degrees lower than the principal who forged)
  • Under dangerous drugs act, those who allow their house to be used as a drug den (would have been an accomplice) is treated as a  PRINCIPAL (violator of Section 6)
  • Under dangerous drugs act, public officials who benefit fromt he proceeds of the trafficking of dangerous drugs (would have been an accessory) is liable as a PRINCIPAL (violator of Section 27)
  • Under dangerous drugs act, cuddling of violators (would have been an accessory) is liable as PRINCIPAL (violator of Section 30)
  • Concealing a Traitor in Treason (would have been an accessory) is liable as PRINCIPAL (Misprison of Treason)

>>>disclaimer: posted these here so that it would be easier for me to find it when I need to print it. And easier to edit too...
*note that PRINCIPAL/ACCOMPLICE/ACCESSORY is only used in RPC and generally not in Special laws 

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Changes for the 2011 Bar Exams

Republic of the Philippines
SUPREME COURT
Manila

N O T I C E

Sirs/Mesdames:

Please take notice that the Court en banc issued a Resolution dated FEBRUARY 8, 2011, which reads as follows:

"B.M. No. 2265 (Re: Letter of Justice Roberto A. Abad Proposing Changes for Improving the Conduct of the Bar Examinations). - The Court Resolved to NOTE the Letter dated January 28, 2011 of Justice Roberto A. Abad re: Amendment to Section 11, Rule 138 of the Rules of Court (Annual Examination), incident to the implementation of B.M. No. 2265 (Reforms in the 2011 Bar Examinations).

The Court further Resolved to APPROVE the Amendment to Section 11, Rule 138 of the Rules of Court, to wit:

"Section 11. Annual examination. - Examinations for admission to the bar of the Philippines shall take place annually in the City of Manila. They shall be held in four days to be designated by the chairman of the committee on bar examiners. The subjects shall be distributed as follows: First day: Political and International Law, and Labor and Social Legislation (morning) and Taxation (afternoon); Second day: Civil Law (morning) and Mercantile Law (afternoon); Third day: Remedial Law, and Legal Ethics and Forums (morning) and Criminal Law (afternoon); Fourth day: Trial Memorandum (morning) and Legal Opinion (afternoon)". (adv107)

Very truly yours,

(Sgd.)ENRIQUETA E. VIDAL
Clerk of Court

Honorable Roberto A. Abad (x)
Associate Justice and Chairperson
2011 Committee on Bar Examinations
Supreme Court

Atty. Ma. Cristina B. Layusa (x)
Deputy Clerk of Court and Bar Confidant
Supreme Court



Republic of the Philippines
SUPREME COURT
Manila

EN BANC

N O T I C E

Sirs/Mesdames:

Please take notice that the Court en banc issued a Resolution dated JANUARY 18, 2011, which reads as follows:

"B.M. No. 2265 (Re: Reforms in the 2011 Bar Examinations [Letter of Justice Roberto A. Abad Proposing Changes for Improving the Conduct of the Bar Examinations]. Acting on the Letter dated January 10, 2011 of Associate Justice Roberto A. Abad, proposing to move the 2011 Bar Examinations from September to November, the Court Resolved to NOTE the said Letter and GRANT the proposal of Justice Abad to MOVE the 2011 Bar Examinations from September to November.

The Court further Resolved to

(a) NOTE the Letter dated September 2, 2010 of Justice Antonio Eduardo B. Nachura, Chairperson, Committee on Legal Education and Bar Matters, recommending the final approval by the Court En Banc of the proposed changes for improving the conduct of the bar examinations by Justice Abad, inasmuch as the Court En Banc had provisionally approved the proposals

(b) APPROVE the Reforms in the 2011 Bar Examinations, hereto attached as Annex "A"; and

(c) NOTE Resolution No. 12-991-2010 dated October 1, 2010 of the Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Cebu, Cebu City Hall, praying anew that the Supreme Court, through the Bar Committee will extend the venue of the Bar Examinations to Cebu City, and hold simultaneous annual examinations in Manila and Cebu City." (adv14)

Very truly yours,


ENRIQUETA E. VIDAL
Clerk of Court


Republic of the Philippines
SUPREME COURT
Manila

EN BANC

B.M. No. 2265

RE: REFORMS IN THE 2011 BAR EXAMINATIONS

Preliminary Statement

The Court has found merit in the proposed changes in the conduct of the bar examinations that the Chairperson of the 2011 Bar Examinations and Philippine Association of Law Schools recommended.

One recommendation concerns the description of the coverage of the annual bar examinations that in the past consisted merely of naming the laws that each subject covered. This description has been regarded as too general and provides no specific understanding of the entry-level legal knowledge required of beginning law practitioners.

A second recommendation addresses the predominantly essay-type of bar examinations that the Court conducts. Because of the enormous growth of laws, doctrines, principles, and precedents, it has been noted that such examinations are unable to hit a significant cross-section of the subject matter. Further, the huge number of candidates taking the examinations annually and the limited time available for correcting the answers make fair correction of purely essay-type examinations difficult to attain. Besides, the use of multiple choice questions, properly and carefully constructed, is a method of choice for qualifying professionals all over the world because of its proven reliability and facility of correction.

A third recommendation opts for maintaining the essay-type examinations but dedicating these to the assessment of the requisite communication skills, creativity, and fine intellect that bar candidates need for the practice of law.

Approved Changes

The Court has previously approved in principle the above recommended changes. It now resolves to approve the following rules that shall govern the future conduct of the bar examinations:

1. The coverage of the bar examinations shall be drawn up by topics and sub-topics rather than by just stating the covered laws. The test for including a topic or sub-topic in the coverage of the examinations is whether it covers laws, doctrines, principles and rulings that a new lawyer needs to know to begin a reasonably prudent and competent law practice.

The coverage shall be approved by the Chairperson of the Bar Examination in consultation with the academe, subject to annual review and re-approval by subsequent Chairpersons.

2. The bar examinations shall measure the candidate’s knowledge of the law and its applications through multiple-choice-questions (MCQs) that are to be so constructed as to specifically:

2.1. Measure the candidate’s knowledge of and ability to recall the laws, doctrines, and principles that every new lawyer needs in his practice;

2.2. Assess the candidate’s understanding of the meaning and significance of those same laws, doctrines, and principles as they apply to specific situations; and

2.3. Measure his ability to analyze legal problems, apply the correct law or principle to such problems, and provide solutions to them.

3. The results of the MCQ examinations shall, if feasible, be corrected electronically.

4. The results of the MCQ examinations in each bar subject shall be given the following weights:

Political Law — 15%
Labor Law — 10%
Civil Law — 15%
Taxation — 10%
Mercantile Law — 15%
Criminal Law — 10%
Remedial Law — 20%
Legal Ethics/Forms — 5%
5. Part of the bar examinations shall be of the essay-type, dedicated to measuring the candidate’s skills in writing in English, sorting out the relevant facts in a legal dispute, identifying the issue or issues involved, organizing his thoughts, constructing his arguments, and persuading his readers to his point of view. The essays will not be bar subject specific.

5.1. One such essay examination shall require the candidate to prepare a trial memorandum or a decision based on a documented legal dispute. (60% of essays)

5.2 Another essay shall require him to prepare a written opinion sought by a client concerning a potential legal dispute facing him. (40% of essays)

6. The essays shall not be graded for technically right or wrong aswers, but for the quality of the candidate’s legal advocacy. The passing standard for correction shall be work expected of a beginning practitioner, not a seasoned lawyer.

7. The examiners in all eight bar subjects shall, apart from preparing the MCQs for their respective subjects, be divided into two panels of four members each. One panel will grade the memorandum or decision essay while the other will grade the legal opinion essay. Each member shall read and grade the examination answer of a bar candidate independently of the other members in his panel. The final grade of a candidate for each essay shall be the average of the grades given by the four members of the panel for that essay.

8. The results of the a) MCQ and b) essay-type examinations shall be given weights of 60% and 40%, respectively, in the computation of the candidate’s final grade.

9. For want of historical data needed for computing the passing grade in MCQ kind of examinations, the Chairperson of the 2011 Bar

Examinations shall, with the assistance of experts in computing MCQ examination grades, recommend to the Court the appropriate conversion table or standard that it might adopt for arriving at a reasonable passing grade for MCQs in bar examinations.

10. In the interest of establishing needed data, the answers of all candidates in the essay-type examinations in the year 2011 shall be corrected irrespective of the results of their MCQ examinations, which are sooner known because they are electronically corrected. In future bar examinations, however, the Bar Chairperson shall recommend to the Court the disqualification of those whose grades in the MCQ are so low that it would serve no useful purpose to correct their answers in the essay-type examinations.

11. Using the data and experience obtained from the 2011 Bar Examinations, future Chairpersons of Bar Examination are directed to study the feasibility of:

11.1. Holding in the interest of convenience and economy bar examinations simultaneously in Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao; and

11.2. Allowing those who pass the MCQ examinations but fail the essay-type examinations to take removal examinations in the immediately following year.

12. All existing rules, regulations, and instructions that are inconsistent with the above are repealed.

This Bar Matter shall take effect immediately, and shall be published in two newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines.

January 18, 2011.



RENATO C. CORONA
Chief Justice

ANTONIO T. CARPIO
Associate Justice CONCHITA CARPIO MORALES
Associate Justice
PRESBITERO J. VELASCO, JR.
Associate Justice ANTONIO EDUARDO B. NACHURA
Associate Justice
TERESITA J. LEONARDO-DE CASTRO
Associate Justice ARTURO D. BRION
Associate Justice
DIOSDADO M. PERALTA
Associate Justice LUCAS P. BERSAMIN
Associate Justice
MARIANO C. DEL CASTILLO
Associate Justice ROBERTO A. ABAD
Associate Justice
MARTIN S. VILLARAMA, JR.
Associate Justice JOSE CATRAL MENDOZA
Associate Justice
JOSE PORTUGAL PEREZ
Associate Justice MARIA LOURDES P. A. SERENO
Associate Justice

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

February 2, 2011 RemLaw Lecture notes

Preliminaries: kamusta midterms, some guesses what may be included in the MCQs
-exhaust all the possible issues
In short: PATAY!!!

SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS
-problem: rules are so long, but you'll get lost in the objective
e.g. Rules on settlement of estate - few principles you should bear in mind. The rest, you'll just file something in court:
  1. If there's a will, (there's a way) there should be probate.
  2. There are only two ways of settling an estate: judicial or extrajudicial
    1. judicial
      1. Summary settlement
      2. Partition
      3. Petition for settlement of the estate/probate of the will/petition for appointment of special administration/petition for letters of administration/petition to determine whether the advances have been made, whether legitime has been impaired
  1. For every property that belongs to the estate, you have to file a motion for authority to sell the property - even if you are an heir of the decedent (you have interest, but you're not an owner of the property)
  2. Re claims of other people:
    1. If money claims, already liquid: could just file a notice of claim with the estate
    2. If actions that survive: should be brought by the administrator/executor on behalf of the estate or against the administrator/executor
*note when the decedent is a party to a pending action - what would happen to the action, what are needed for the case to continue...
  1. Re: Administrator: many qualifications
-but usually, there is a special administrator, appointment and removal of whom is purely discretionary.
-there are actually only 3 duties:
  1. Inventory
  2. Accounting
  3. Distribution?
-why take long?
  • Multiple appeals allowed
  • Parties do not agree
  • Probate of the will is just extrinsic validity - there are probably other issues also with intrinsic validity
  • Inventory of property pa lang, problematic na!


Rule 72 Subject Matter and Applicability of General Rules
Distinction between “civil action” and “special proceeding” - Natcher v. CA 366 SCRA 385
Distinction:
Civil action
Special proceedings
Enforcement or protection of a right or ...lof a wrong
Petitioner wants to establish a status, right or a particular fact
Requires pleadings
No formal pleadings are required, unless required
Remedy prescribed by the rules
Remedy granted by motions

Determination of heirship – Portugal v. Portugal-Beltran GR 155555 Aug 16, 2005
F: 1 decedent who married twice. His daughter with first wife who also died already made an affidavit of adjudication by the sole heir and was able to acquire a TCT in her name over the sole property of the estate. The son and the second wife filed an ORDINARY ACTION For annulment of the affidavit and the TCT, arguing that the daughter perjured her affidavit. During pre-trial conference, one of the issues presented was with regards which of the marriages were valid and who were the heirs of the deceased. Evidence were presented before the TC but TC dismissed the action on the ground of lack of COA (no determination yet of the rights of the second family as heirs) and lack of jurisdiction (a TC in an ordinary civil action cannot rule on the issue of determination of heirship). CA affirmed TC judgment.
H: GR is that a TC in the ordinary action does not have jurisdiction to determine the issue of heirship, which must be determined in a special proceeding for the settlement of the estate of the deceased. However, exceptional cases, under which this case falls, would exist where the court would still allow the TC to determine heirship issue.

Termination of proceeding Tabuada v. Ruiz GR 168799 Jun 27, 2008
Sec 2 Hilado v. CA GR 164108 May 8, 2009

Settlement of Estate of Deceased Persons
Rule 73 Venue and Process- -
Residence: something permanent physical presence, but not necessarily the domicile of the decedent

Limited jurisdiction of probate court - Camaya v. Patulandon, GR 144915 23 Feb 2004;
F: Reyes made an notarized will, had the will probated, the sole heir was grandson. Codicil made, now dividing the property to her children plus grandson. But codicil not probated. So grandson was able to transfer property to his name, innocent purchasers were able to buy the property. Probate court held that the sale and the title were null and void.
H: probate court's limited jurisidction to determining WON properties should be included in the inventory or list of properties to be administered
-cannot declare title to a property void - should bring in separate ordinary civil action
*what if a property alleged to be the decedent's is in the name of another, should it be included - no. But should manifest that there is such a property, and if later proven that the property belonged to the decedent, and should be included in the inventory

*what if husband dies, what happens to the conjugal properties: should be decided in the settlement of the estate of the deceased spouse
Could the other surviving spouse  sell properties, alleging one half is hers/his? Not the property, but can sell the right. Should wait for the settlement of the estate

Pacioles v. Chuatoco-Ching GR 127920 Aug 9, 2005;
Heirs of Doromio v. Heirs of Doromio GR 169454; 541 SCRA 479;
Reyes v. Sotero, et al., GR No. 167405, Feb 16, 2006
Termination of the special proceeding - Munsayac-De Villa, v. CA 414 SCRA 436
Meaning of residence – San Luis v. San Luis Feb 6, 2007

Rule 74 Summary Settlement of Estates- -
-actually encompasses extrajudicial mode of settlement of estate
-no will + no debts + all heirs agree = extrajudicial settlement
*the two year period: present publication, plus extrajudicial partition, then give titles with annotation that those who are claiming these properties has 2 years to claim so
*bond: with registry of deeds: not going to answer for wrongful transfer of real properties, but only for personal property which is difficult to track once wrongfully disposed. As to the real properties, the 2 year prescription period and annotation on the title is sufficient protection.

Two year prescriptive period - Pedrosa v. CA, 353 SCRA 620
F: Adopted daughter not included in the extrajudicial settlement so she filed an action before the court, saying that she has the right to be included. Issue is the prescription period for her action - whether the period should be 2 years (R74) or 4 years (NCC, on the ground of fraud)
H: Adopted daughter has 4 years from which to file: fraudulently not included in the extrajudicial settlement

Extrajudicial partition - Pada-Kilario, et al. vs. CA et al., GR 134329, 19 Jan 2000
 F: heirs executed an agreement dividing estate among themselves, failed to notarize it
H: Still valid. Registration requirements just for the protection of creditors. Since no creditors, then valid.
*but ma'am wonders how it was transferred since it is required that before doing so, transfer taxes should first be paid

Rule 75 Production of Will. Allowance of Will Necessary- -
Probate mandatory - Pascual v. CA, 409 SCRA 105
F: three siblings...one sold share to consolacion, the other to remedios....
H: until the will admitted in probate, no transfer of ownership
-so can't claim yet that she was a devisee

Probate proceeding in rem – Alaban v. CA GR 156021 Sept 23, 2005
False will – Obando v People GR 138696 July 7, 2010
F: Jose Figueras died intestate, survived by wife and sons in first marriage. Those heirs filed intestate proceedings, wife made administratrix. Wife died pending the proceedings, stepson made the administrator. Nephew of wife filed petition for probate for will of wife which allegedly bequeathed to Obando some properties of the conjugal property. Stepsons opposed, saying it was forged. Intestate proceedings of husband and wife consolidated. RTC denied Obando's application to be made administrator; CA reversed, named him co-administrator. By reason of forged will, Obando was able to take possession of the properties named in the will. Later on, when asked for accounting, Obando failed to present accounting.
-Later on, the stepsons sued Obando for estafa through falsification of public document. Stipulated that whatever documentary evidence used in specpro would be utilized in criminal case. Expert witnesses presented from NBI and PNB as to authenticity of will. RTC, CA and SC all ruled that Obando falsified the will.
-No express mention that the falsified will was probated.
 H: Specpro could still proceed even if the will is subject to a criminal case for falsification in another case.
*but ma'am said that in another case, one could make the special proceeding dependent on the judgment in the criminal case for falsification

*in case involving same parties, same issues, and SC makes conflicting decision, which of the two cases would prevail?

Rule 76 Allowance or Disallowance of Will - -
-same as in the civil code
-more important is how to prove the will when contested or not contested (fertile ground for mcqs)
  • Number of witnesses, depending on the kind of will
  • When expert witness required
  • When other witnesses allowed
-but overriding rule is that respect the will of the testator. Mere deficiencies should be overlooked if it would still show the intent of the testator

*Jurisdictional facts
  • Death of testator
  • Residence of the testator at the time of death
  • If resident of a foreign country: that he left his estate in the province where the court sits

Grounds – Azuela v. CA, GR No. 122880, April 12, 2006
F: Really defective will!
Defects:
  1. AC did not state number of pages
  2. Witnesses did not sign the AC
  3. No acknowledgment by a notary
  4. No signature of the testator in each and every page
  5. Pages were not numbered consecutively...
H: Will so defective!!! (see case for the reasons, review succession!)

Rule 77 Allowance of Will Proved Outside of Philippines and Administration of Estate –
Procedure:
If you have a foreign will, but affects the properties in RP: probated outside, but then allowed in RP to affect the properties in the RP

Ancheta v. Guersay-Dalaygon; GR No. 139868, June 8, 2006
H: National law of the decedent should have been followed
-on processual presumption: lawyer/administrator presumed that processual presumption applies. Court held that he should have known that the law of the foreign state would apply since he is a national of another country.

Rule 78 Letters Testamentary and of Administration, When and to Whom Issued
Letters of administration: no will, for administrator
Letters testamentary: w/ will, for executor

Failure to attend hearings of applicant - Silverio v. CA, 304 SCRA 541
F: Son and father fighting over who should be the adminiH: The order of preference is discretionary upon the court - the court determines who should be competent
-in this case, the surviving spouse is a resident of Australia!

Intestate estate of Cristina suntay v Isabel Cojuangco GR 183053 June 16, 2010
F: Surviving spouse vs. Illegitimate grandson
H: Co-administration
-federico was adopted son...as adoptewd son, also had interest in the estate
-order of preference not mandatory - left to the discretion of the court.
-here, both were appointed to protect both interest

*cannot do 2 specpro in one proceeding.
*cannot appoint same administrator in 2 proceedings
*as to special administrators, not appealable - exercise of discretion of the court


Rule 79 Opposing Issuance of Letters Testamentary. Petition and Contest for Letters of Administration
Justification for appointment of an administrator - Avelino v CA, GR 115181, 31 Mar 2000
H: no need for administration of the estate if the heirs all agree to an extrajudicial partition and that there are no debts and no will


Rule 80 Special Administrator
Duties:
  • Take charge of the estate
  • Turn it over to regular administrator
Qualifications - Valarao v. Pascual 392 SCRA 695; Vilma Tan et al v. Hon Gedonio GR 166520 Mar 14, 2008
Justification for special administrator - De Guzman vs. Guadiz Jr., et al., L-48585, 31 Mar 1980
Appointment of special administrator discretionary - Jamero v. Melicos, GR 140929, 26 May 2005; Heirs of Castillo v. Gabriel GR 162934 Nov 11, 2005 474 SCRA
Removal – Co v. Rosario et al GR No. 160671 Apr 30, 2008
F: Special administrator was appointed, but was later charged with several complaints for crimes of moral turpitude so was removed
H: ground for removal also subject to the court's sound discretion

Rule 81 Bonds of Executors and Administrators
Rule 82- Revocation of Administration, Death, Resignation, and Removal of Executors and Administrators

Ocampo v Ocampo GR 187879 Jul 2 , 2010
F: 2 groups for administrator:
  • Leonardo initially administered the estate. Initially received 1/3 of income of the estate
  • After his death, the wife and kids did not receive 1/3 of the income of the estate
  • So they filed intestate estate of both the proceedings...
  • Counterpetition...wife did not take care of her husband, what more of his estate?
H:
Removal of special administrator: discretionary, not limited to the grounds of removing the regular administrator
Appointment as regular administrator: although appointment was mentioned in the motion for termination of special administration, and respondents filed comment, no full-blown hearing where her competence and capacity has been threshed out. Theoretically, enough to revoke her appointment. But here, already protracted proceeding + already posted a bond, the appointment should just be converted to one of special administrator
Re Bond: RTC's denial was valid, but never exempted from filing a bond unless the testator says so (but if circumstances change, could still be required to post a bond)
Application of grounds for revocation to special administrator: nasa taas, not applicable. Discretionary upon the court
On 2 estates being settled: not possible to do that.

Rule 83 Inventory and Appraisal. Provision for Support of Family
*allowance: surviving WIFE only mentioned. What about the husband?

Provisional inclusion in inventory -
Heirs of Miguel Franco v. CA, 418 SCRA 60;
F: Claimant of half of estate took 4 years to claim half of the estate, after he, as special administrator, that the same property was part of the estate of the deceased in the inventory
H: the inclusion of a property in the inventory of the deceased is provisional only. However, experience shows that whoever claims the property would claim it instantly after finding it out. Here 4 years!

*if administrator claims against the estate, special administrator only as to that property

Chua v. Absolute Management Corp. 413 SCRA 547
 F: Administratrix failed to include shares of stocks in the inventory so claimants creditors contested the inventory. Administratrix said these properties were already assigned to other persons, attaching deeds of assignments. Creditors filed a motion for examination of these persons to whom the shares were assigned.
H: Can exanine 3P to determine WON fraudulent assignment
-determination of ownership provisional
-inclusion in inventory would not deprive assignees of claim
-separate action for ownership needed

Rule 84 General Powers and Duties of Executors and Administrators
*if you're one of the heirs, you're also the administrator. You're staying in the house. Are you supposed to pay rents?
Ma'am: if heirs do not ask for rents, then stay rent free; but if no, then entitled to rents.

Conflict of interest - Mananquil v. Villegas, GR 2430, 30 Aug 1990
F: lawyer was leasing property from the estate
H: Renewal of lease contracts are allowed, since it was just an act of administration; however, lawyer violated NCC. Lawyers should not get interested in property subject to litigation

Rule 85 Accountability and Compensation of Executors and Administrators
-accounting: should be done annually, but usually done at the end of the estate
Duty to account - Tumang v. Laguio GR 50277 14 Feb 1980;
Charges and expenses of the administrator Quasha Pena v. LCN Const GR 174873 Aug 26, 2008
F: action to recover attorney's fees.
H: there was no proof that there was substitution of atty. Quasha as administrator so their role were just as attorneys. Get attorney's fees from clients - the heirs, and not from the estate
*cf Salonga vs. Hernandez

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

January 12 Remlaw lecture notes


Rule 45
-Appeal on certioari; but pleading filed is "Petition for Review on Certiorari under Rule 45" (but you could put "Petition"
-coverage: questions of law

Rule 45 Appeal by Certiorari to the Supreme Court
Question of law - Agote v. Lorenzo, 464 SCRA 60, Jul 22, 2005;
F: Agote was charged with 2 violations: basta violation of firearms...
H: remedy availed of was erroneous because he sought to have resolved the retroactivity of the amendatory law - pure question of law. Question of fact would involve the review of the probative value of the evidence available
-so example of pure question of law, but appeal through R45

BPI v. CA, GR 160890, Nov. 10, 2004;
F: NPC filed eminent domain case vs. BPI. Clerk of courts who were appointed as commissioners to determine the amount of the land did not provide basis for the values. RTC upheld the amount provided by the Commissioners, but the CA reversed it, modified to lessen the amount of the land. BPI filed case
Under R45.
H: GR is that only questions of law. But there are exceptions, one of these are when the ruling of RTC is different from that of CA

CGP Transportation v. PCI Leasing Mar 28, 2007
F: filed P under R45 based on the issue that CA erred in taking cognizance of the petition when it was the wrong mode of appeal chosen
H:  Even if the chosen mode was under R65, to serve substantial interest, it could take cognizance of the petition for certiorari, provided:
  1. As long as filed w/n reglementary period (15 days) [cf: R65: 60 days]
  2. Should not have lost the right to appeal (to be able to treat the case as P4C under R65)
  3. Sufficient reason to apply the liberality of rules
Discretion showed in the use of the word "MAY" - application of the rules should be applied to serve interest of substantial justice
*conversely, it was supposed to be R45 but instead passed through CA when only pure questions of law: CA cannot recommend it to SC. But it is true the other way around

Cf R45.6: should show that either or both should be complied with - should include as part of the petition for review on certiorari, either in the preliminary statement or as part of the pleading, as reasons for allowing the petition

Limited review –
Local Superior of the Servants of Charity v. Jody King Construction GR 141715 Oct 12, 2005;

Perez – Rosario, et al. v. CA, GR No. 140796, June 30, 2006;
F: Original action for ejectment filed by Heirs of Perez. Vda de Perez sold parcel of land to a person who was tilling and cultivating the land, 50% of the proceeds of which was given to Vda de Perez. However, after death, the lessee did not deliver the shares. Heirs bought back  the parcel of land. Lessee entered a sublease, w/o knowledge of owner. Action brought against lessee. PARA ruled ifo heirs, eject lessee. DARAB reversed it. Heirs appealed to CA. CA affirmed DARAB decision. Heirs filed P4C under R65.
H: Petition would not prosper. Upon receipt of denial, should have filed R45 petition. Failed to show that there was no adequate plain speedy remedy + if administrative decisions are substantiated by evidence, should uphold it.

*NOTE: only situation where R45 not availed of: criminal cases where penalty is life imprisonment - but should now pass through CA

Republic v. Sta Ana- Burgos, 523 SCRA 309, GR 163254 , 1 June 2007
CA not impleaded Selegna v. UCPB GR 165662 May 3, 2006

Distinguished from Rule 65 Tagle v. Equitable PCI GR 172299 Apr 22, 2008;
F: Tagle was assailing RTC order granting writ of possession ifo Equitable, alleging the property was a family home. Filed a petition for certiorari under R65...
H: A petition for certiorari under R65 was not the proper remedy. Should be under R45, in trying to assail the decision of the CA because
GR: R45 should be the rule resorted to, whatever the proceedings before the CA was, in going up to the SC
+ requisites for Certiorari should be complied...
HERE: there was still sufficient remedy that Tagle could have resorted to (R45) hence there was a plain, speedy remedy still available. (even if there was GADALEJ)
*Note: distinguished errors of judgment from errors of jurisdiction!
*can you avail of both?
GR: No. Mutually exclusive, not alternative, cumulative or successive
X: If comply with the period to file, and in other requirements, under both rules 45 and 65
*make a table of the differences!
*Certiorari is an original remedy, while petition for review under Rule 45 is an appellate remedy
*what are the two pleadings that should be filed if RTC to CA: Notice of Appeal plus appellant's brief
*if you lose in the CA, then would want to go to SC: file MR (but not required if ordinary appeal); but can go right away with R45 - in R65, assure that there was no other plain, speedy, adequate remedy
-note also that when you file a motion before CA, there is no need for hearing

International Corporate Bank v. CA & PNB, Sept 5, 2006;
F: ICB sued PNB. ICB already cleared the checks when PNB said that the checks have material alterations. RTC dismissed complaint and counterclaim by PNB. PNB was just exercising due diligence. CA reversed. So ICB filed Petition, citing both R45 & 65:
H: Remedies of appeal and certiorari are mutually exclusive
X: in the interest of justice, SC can exercise discretion to considered petition as having been filed under R45 (note: only provided in jurisprudence; what is provided in the ROC is when the SC can remand the case to the CA if you mistakenly went directly up to the SC, and passed through CA)

*even if you already indicated the reasons under Section 6, and availed of the correct mode, complied with each and every formal requirements required, SC  can still decide to deny your petition if there is no reversible error!

San Miguel Bukid Homeowner v. City of Mandaluyong, GR 153653, Oct 2, 2009
Assignment of errors –
Phil Hawk Corp v. Vivian Tan Lee, GR 166869, Feb 16, 2010
F: Respondent filed a case for Damages based on QD arising from vehicular accident between motorcycle and bus of Phil Hawk. Husband died, respondent sustained injuries. Before answer, filed amended complaint, adding additional damages and reliefs. RTC ruled ifo respondent; CA added relief granted. Phil Hawk filed R45 Petition before SC, saying that respondent did not appeal to the ruling of the RTC and it was error on part of CA to grant damages
H: no error in awarding additional reliefs
-as to ruling on assignment of errors:
GR: only those assigned should be considered under R45
X:
  1. If errors affect jurisdiciton of the court as to subject matter
  2. Error affect validity of judgment
  3. So long as closely related to those assigned, properly argued in the brief

Rule 46 Original Cases   
Rule 65 supplements Rule 46 -
Original cases: original petition for certiorari against rulings of Lower court or QJ bodies
Republic v. Carmel Dev 377 SCRA 459
F: Carmel dev't filed petition against DepEd w/ regard concession of certain parcels of land on which a school was located. MTD denied by RTC. MR denied. Deped brought before CA under R65 but was dismissed - not attached certified true copies of judgment and order of lower court. So question is WON R46 (certified true copies or duplicate originals) or R65 (certified true copies only) would be followed
H: Both should be read in conjunction with each other. R46 governs procedure for R65.
-Under Section 2 of R56, R46,....are applicable to SC unless expressly provided.
Original duplicate: a copy of a decision, judgment, etc. Intended to be furnished to the parties in the case; duly signed or initialed by the clerk of court or office of the issuing entity. Also allowable if there's a dry seal; same as the one received by parties from the court
-what is usually done is that you go to the court to have certified true copies - that is the way the court personnel have money
-in R65, can file either duplicate original or the certified true copy - substantial compliance

Sec. 3 China Banking Corp v. Padilla Feb 2, 2007
 F: Case vs. China Banking for irregular deductions; China banking filed TPC against its employee. Petition for certiorari before CA. CA Denied, failed to attach Certified true copies of important documents.
H: Section 3 is very clear, where it requires that Certified true copies should be attached with the petition. Liberal interpretation can only be made if there is a justifiable reason, or substantial interest would be served.

Rule 47 Annulment of Judgments or Final Orders and Resolutions
-exclusive w/ CA if RTC judgment; but if MTC judgment, can also file w/ RTC
-only if the grounds are:
  1. Extrinsic fraud + no other remedy w/o fault of the petitioner + did not avail of the same ground already + brought w/n 4 years from discovery of the fraud
  2. Lack of jurisdiction over subject matter and the person: no period. But should not have been prescribed by laches or estoppel
-in both grounds, you have to explain why you resorted to R47, emphasis on no fault + other allegation stating the other requisites above...
Laches (example): You have been in the country all the time, but you moved to a new address. However, you did not notify the court. So you could be barred by laches.
Effects:
If lack of jurisdiction: dismissed w/o prejudice; can refile the case again with proper jurisdiction
If extrinsic fraud: can remand to the RTC as if a MNT was timely filed

Extrinsic fraud -
e.g. Party was not able to get the copy of the decision because his own counsel connived w/ the other counsel.
Lost case because other party paid the judge...

Alma Jose v. Intra Strata 464 SCRA 496, Jul 28, 2005;
F: RTC ifo  Intra Strata. Alma Joses did not know because summons not properly served. Filed petition for annulment of judgment, CA denied because already availed of earlier
H: Only ground of extrinsic fraud should not be availed of in earlier remedies. But if based on lack of jurisdiction, can allege in earlier pleadings and pleadings not filed.

De La Cruz v. Sison, GR 142464, Sept 26, 2005;
-Extrinsic fraud: mishanlding of case of previous counsels - not sufficient ground for extrinsic fraud. Only ruled otherwise in exceptional cases.
-same fraud talked about in MNT and Petition for Relief

Ramos v. Combong, Jr. GR 144273 Oct 20, 2005;
F: Respondents did not show in RTC that the previous sellers did not have property transferred in their name. Petitioner alleged that the ruling was procurred through fraud.
H: Extrinsic fraud should refer to the manner in which the judgment was procurred

Alaban v. CA GR 156021 Sept 23, 2005
F: Extrinsic fraud here is the lack of notice to the other parties.
H: If not entitled to notice, then walang notice, then walang fraud. But since there was a publication of the notice, lack of personal notice was cured!

Lack of jurisdiction
Ancheta v. Ancheta GR 145370, Mar 4, 2004;
F: Over persons...marriage which turned soured...during trial, compromise agreement made between the spouses where most of the properties were adjudicated ifo wife and children. One of the properties was a resort. Husband sought the nullity of the marriage, but misrepresented that the wife resides in her former residence and not in the present address. So petitioner failed to file an answer. Husband filed motion for default. Son, btw, received summons for the wife.
H: Here, invalid service of summons: no explanation why summons not served personally; plus alleged wrong address in the petition; residence of the son was different from residence of petitioner; no actual service of summons because the father only showed the son the summons, but did not give a copy to the son. -so petition for annulment of RtC judgment granted. Original judgment void. But can refile case!

Republic thru APT v. “G” Holdings GR 141241, Nov. 22, 2005;
F: lack of jurisdiction here alleged was GADALEJ!
H: GADALEJ not included in lack of jurisdiction under R47: cannot expand the scope of lack of jurisdiction under R47 since R47 is an extraordinary remedy which should be construed strictly
-plus alleging GADALEJ means it is not questioning the jurisdiction of the lower court

Sps Benatiro et al v. Heirs of Evaristo Cuyo GR 161220 Jul 30, 2008;
F: Father of petitioners died. Supposedly there was a partition. 2 of the heirs asked the clerk of court to be the commissioner for the project of partition. But the project of partition was not signed by ALL the heirs. Not all of the heirs were present. CFI still approved the project of partition. So assailed by the rest of the heirs in this petition, alleging extrinsic fraud. But already beyond the 4 year prescription. CA annulled judgment of CFI, saying that there was indeed extrinsic fraud and that the CFI decision was based on a commissioner's report which was a falsity. On issue on the "ploy" to stop the partition: CA said that it was not a ploy since there is sufficient ground for it...
H: CA is correct in annulling judgment, but for lack of due process!
-lack of due process is included as ground under R47 (added!)
-the falsity of the commissioner's report alone denied the other heirs of their right to have their day in court, and this is lack of due process on their part and is therefore also a ground for petition for annulment
*so lack of jurisdiction would refer to summons; this is different because it would involve due process where you could have been properly summoned but there's a violation of due process later on

GAUF v. RTC GR 139672 Mar 14, 2009;
F: Gonzales estate was expropriated. But government instrumentality failed to conduct resale. Tenants filed action for specific performance. GAUF intervened saying that it was given right to purchase lots in the estate, by assignment of the tenants in a compromise agreement. RTC awarded to one Bahamonde and GAUF. Bahamonde filed action for annulment of the compromise agreement in another court, and that court annuled such compromise agreement. Said decision was annuled by the CA. Order ifo Bahamonde already executed. This is in lieu of the actions filed by GAUF. Now GAUF filed after 2 years a petition for annulment, saying no jurisdiction - collateral attack
H: Even if first action was action for specific performance, there is no collateral attack because the compromise agreement was the basis of the claim of GAUF and it was thus proper for the court to rule upon the compromise agreement's validity...

*MR prohibition only in RTC, CA...but not in SC!
 
DENR v. Technological Advocates, GR 165333, Feb 9, 2010
F: Tafpa (?) and DENR entered contract. Tampa delayed in submitting accomplishment report. DENR alleged that Tafpa would be liable for penalties (instead of Tampa collecting money from DENR). RTC decided ifo Tafpa. Writ of execution. Petition for Annulment based on lack of jurisdiction
H: Petition not proper. Action for annulment of judgment extraordinary remedy, allowed in exceptional cases.
-lack of jurisdiction is absolute lack of jurisdiction. Here, RTC has jurisdiction:
  1. RTC has original jurisdiction over mandamus cases
  2. Even if action for specific performance, RTC still has jurisdiction
  3. As to the notice to the consultant, and not to OSG: notice to the deputy is notice to the OSG, the principal counsel + summons properly served to DENR legal office.

SC resolution
Grande v. UP, GR No. 148456, Sep 15, 2006
F: Original case w/ RTC involved recovery of ownership vs. UP. RTC dismissed case - lack of COA - 70 years passed. UP already acquired ownership. CA affirmed. Grande received decision of CA on Dec. 1998, and filed MR, deci on MR received March 2000. Afterwards, no action on Grande's part. So final on April 2000. June 2001, filed R47 before SC to annul decision of CA
H: R47 does not cover cases rendered by CA!
-R47 does not give SC jurisdiction to annul such cases. Original actions before SC only those enumerated in R46...
-if it wanted to appeal, should have filed R45 Certiorari.
-even if apply liberal application of rules, petition was filed out of time, even if there is negligence on part of the counsel
*so is there no remedy at all? No. R45, but if already prescribed, try R65. if already prescribed...
...if judgment is void, then it should have no effect. Ma'am said you could file a new case before RTC, questioning the void judgment...but at risk with forum shopping...

*tip on midterms: Ma'am would probably give R47 problem on Memorandum

Rule 48 Preliminary Conference       
Rule 49 Oral Argument       
Rule 50 Dismissal of Appeal
Discretionary - PNB v. Philippine Milling 26 SCRA 712
Direct appeal to SC- Atlas Consolidated Mining 201 SCRA 51
Non-payment of fee Cu-Unjieng v. CA, GR No. 139596, Jan 24, 2006
Non-filing of brief – Gov’t v. CA et al GR 164150 Apr 14, 2008;
Bachrach v. PPA GR 159915 Mar12, 2009

Rule 51 Judgment   
 *harmless error rule: Section 6, Rule 51. Does not have to rule on every error if this would not go into the very substance of the case, or would not affect the merits of the case
*Section 8: assigned errors or not
Multiple proceedings - Crystal vs. CA, 160 SCRA 79

Rule 52 Motion for Reconsideration
Badiola v. Ca GR 170691 Apr 23, 2008

Rule 53 New Trial       
Rule 54 Internal Business       
Rule 55 Publication of Judgments and Final Resolutions   
Rule 56 Procedure in the Supreme Court   
Sec 5 Ericsson v. City of Pasig GR 176667 Nov 22, 2007;
Law of the case/conflicting decisions Collantes v. CA 517 SCRA 561 (2007)
Prospective effect Land Bank v. De Leon GR 143275 Mar 20, 2003
A.M. No. 99-8-09 SC Amended Rules on Who Shall Resolve MRs

*the rest of the rules, even the cases, are not that significant
*in talking about the grounds for dismissal of an appeal (filed out of time, nonpayment of docket fees)...failure to comply if before CA & SC may cause dismissal of the case
*oral arguments: when set: if petition would affect a huge number of Filipinos! But it would really depend on the discretion of the SC.
*if court undecided: dismiss case if original action; if appeal, affirm earlier judgment; if motion: dismiss; if criminal case: acquit
*on MR: should be w/ leave if more than 1 MR before SC
*CA can hold trial
*Section 5 - grounds for dismissal of appeal before SC - more or less same w/ grounds in CA
*CA internal rules: IRCA


Provisional Remedies
-there are 5
-support pendente lite should not be confused w/ support in connection with petition for nullity of marriages? Same actually. As long as there is no final order of court.
-what is the most effective provisional remedy: replevin, then attachment; replevin, however, is the most expensive! Attachment is also difficult to get because there should be some fraud involved.
-as to Injunction, it is one of the most complex to get
-receivership: very rare. More in intracorporate disputes than in ordinary civil actions

Rule 57 Preliminary Attachment
Grounds
-before: fraud in incurring the debt; now fraud in performing the obligation

PCL Industries v. CA GR 147970 March 31, 2006;
H: Preliminary attachment not properly issued!
-under Section 1, b: fraud referred to must be one which was present when debt incurred. Other party gave consent because of the said fraud.
*you could also allege fraud in nonperformance. But here, the fraud in nonperformance is not the case. Mere inability to pay does not mean there was fraud

Magaling v. Peter Ong GR 173333 Aug 13, 2008;
F: Loan extended by Ong to Magaling, but loan was not paid. Ong filed complaint for payment for sum of money. Complaint included prayer for writ of preliminary attachment on the ground of fraud in procurring the contract? RTC granted. Sps Magaling, who at that time were the majority stock holders of the company, filed motion to discharge writ of preliminary attachment, saying the loan was incurred ifo of the company, and not their personal use.  Thus, attachment on their personal property improper.
H: The discharge was not proper because under the rules, discharge maybe obtained if:
  1. Party files counterbond
  2. Other grounds: irregular or improper attachment
-here, no counterbond because alleged improper attachment. But SC said that the rules provide that there must be a notice and hearing, which was absent in this case.
*when you say improper issuance/irregularity: also go into the grounds for asking for attachment

Professional Video V Tesda GR 155504 Jun 26, 2009;

Metro Inc. et al v. Lara’s Gifts, GR 171741, Nov 27, 2009
F: Writ of attachment based on fraud in incurring the obligation. Respondents and petitioners had agreement...initially petitioners agreed. But after sales volume went up, stop payment. Complaint for sum of money, alleging that the petitioners were engaged infraudulent activities by representing that they could give respondents commission when they in fact was planning on stealing hte clients of the respondent. Initial attachment allowed. Lifting on ground of lack of evidence of fraud.
H: RTC acted in GADALEJ. Main action revolves around fraud. Fraud cannot be used in motion for dissolution of writ of attachment + did not file counterbond.
*discretionary on part of trial court to discharge attachment! But if there is a counterbond, usually discharged

Ex Parte issuance -
Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. vs. CA, 204 SCRA 343; - still good in terms of attachment, but not in injunction
H: One may ask for ex parte issuance of writ of attachment
-if the court would apprise the other party of the pending writ, he may hide the properties already to deprive the other party of the chance to attach the property pending the litigation
-here, attachment order and copy of complaint and summons served. Defendant now filed motion for discharge of attachment because he assailed the jurisdiction of the court.
H: sheriff must serve not only the copy of the attachment writ but also the summons!

Onate v. Abrogar, 241 SCRA 659

Provisional/ancillary –
Silangan Textile v. Judge Mar 12, 2007
F: In this case, the STMC bought yarns from Luzon Spinning Mills and issued checks for it. However, the checks bounced for insufficiency of funds.
-Luzon Spinning Mills earlier filed  a BP 22 Case in MTC against the officers of the corporation, which they also sued in a civil action for collection of money arising from the same facts. Writ of attachment already filed and granted by RTC, even with opposition by the STMC
-Both RTC and CA held  that there was no litis pendencia and that the attachment was proper
HELD: there was litis pendentia
(1) identity of the parties or, at least, of the parties who represent the same interest in both actions;  - same interest
(2) identity of the rights asserted and relief prayed for, as the latter is founded on the same set of facts; and - same relief - recovery of money based on the checks
(3) identity of the two preceding particulars, such that any judgment rendered in the other action will amount to res judicata in the action under consideration or will constitute litis pendentia.15
-also based ruling on Hyatt v. Dynamix...
-plus it is expressly provided in Supreme Court Circular No. 57-97  & Rule 111(b) of the 2000 Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure that the civil cases arising from BP 22 are deemed included, and no reservation to file a separate case is allowed
-the court, thus, ruled for the dismissal of the main action
-as to the propriety of the writ of attachment, the court held that since it is an ancilliary and provisional remedy, the dismissal of the main case brings about the lifting of the writ of attachment.
-Attachment is an ancillary remedy. It is not sought for its own sake but rather to enable the attaching party to realize upon relief sought and expected to be granted in the main or principal action.20 Being an ancillary or auxiliary remedy, it is available during the pendency of the action which may be resorted to by a litigant to preserve and protect certain rights and interests therein pending rendition, and for purposes of the ultimate effects, of a final judgment in the case. They are provisional because they constitute temporary measures availed of during the pendency of the action and they are ancillary because they are mere incidents in and are dependent upon the result of the main action.21
-A writ of preliminary attachment is a species of provisional remedy. As such, it is a collateral proceeding, permitted only in connection with a regular action, and as one of its incidents; one of which is provided for present need, or for the occasion; that is, one adapted to meet a particular exigency. On the basis of the preceding discussion and the fact that we find the dismissal of Civil Case No. 00-00420 to be in order, the writ of preliminary attachment issued by the trial court in the said case must perforce be lifted.

Discharge of an attachment –
Security Pacific Assurance v. Hon. Judge Tria-Infante GR 144740 Aug 31, 2005; -under old law
-has something to do with notice of the surety...

Insular Savings v. CA 460 SCRA 122;
Sofia Torres v. Nicanor Satsatin, GR 166759, Nov 25, 2009
*ways of attaching property: if property registered in register of deeds: serve w/ register of deeds...
If personal property: serve on person who possesses the property
If credits: go to the obligor
Garnishment of bank accounts: banks given notice of garnishment.
*does it have to be a property involved in the litigation: note that one of the grounds is embezzlement - thing embezzled could be attached. But if for sum of money, can attach other properties

Rule 58 Preliminary Injunction-
-GR: Cannot be ex parte
X: extreme urgency + convince executive judge/judge if one sala court, to issue you a 72-hour TRO
Or file complaint w/ prayer for TRO and preliminary injunction, schedule it for raffle, then ask clerk of court to call up the other party to come... Conduct summary hearing
*on 20th day, still no writ of preliminary injunction, what to do: move for the urgent resolution of the motion for writ of preliminary injunction...if gusto talaga i-delay ng judge, petition for certiorari under rule 65 + injunction

*what if one of the parties would suffer more damage than the other
-should allege irreparable damage, but should not estimate amount! IRREPARABLE nga eh so supposed to be not quantifiable!

Clear legal right –
Filipino Metals v. Secretary of Trade and Industry GR 157498 Jul 15, 2005;
H: Available when show clear legal right to injunction; in preliminary injunction, it is not necessary that the law first be declared unconstitutional - if that is the main relief sought.

Levi Strauss v. Clinton Apparelle, GR No 138900 Sept 20, 2005;
H: Dockers was not granted injunction. Not clear WON there was trademark infringement because allegedly there was only 1 item infringed, when the registration has two items.

Duvaz Corp v. Export & Industry Bank 523 SCRA 405, Jun 7, 2007; Equitable PCIB v. Hon. Apurillo, GR 168746; Nov 5, 2009

Injunction should maintain status quo -
-should not improve the status you're in
Rualo v. Pitargue GR 140284 Jan 21, 2005;

University v Ang Wong GR 150280 Apr 26, 2006
-not entitled because subject matter of the injunction already lapsed

Injunction not proper - Tayag v. Lacson GR 134971 25 Mar 2004

Irreparable injury – G.G. Sportswear v. BDO, GR 184434, Feb 8, 2010
-injury being alleged was quantifiable

Summary hearing necessary/Procedure -
Borja v. Salcedo 412 SCRA 110; - explanation of the period
National Electrification Adm v Val Villanueva GR 168203 Mar 9, 2010
RA 8975 act to ensure the expeditious implementation and completion of government infrastructure projects - Phil Ports Authority v. Pier 8 Arrastre GR No. 147861, Nov. 18, 2005;
-what kinds of projects should be enjoined:

DFA v Falcon GR 176657 Sep 1, 2010
-law involved was the e-passport project
-all courts could not enjoin, except SC + extreme urgency for grant of injunction + constitutional issue at hand + suffer great irreparable injury
-here, not a national interest project

Grave abuse of discretion in grant – Overseas Workers v. Chavez 524 SCRA 451; Power Sites v United Neon GR 163406 Nov 24, 2009

*if application for attachment/injunction not granted, what is the remedy: MR then certiorari

Rule 59 Receivership
No receivership of property in custodia legis - Dolar v. Sundiam 38 SCRA 616

Vivares v. Jose Reyes GR 155408 Feb 13, 2008
F: Action for partition, not specpro.
-if it is, then it is in custodia legis. Not subject of receivership, but should ask for the appointment of an administrator
-functions of receiver and requisites, are similar to that of an administrator

Rule 60 Replevin- -
-deliver personal property to you - the property subject of the action usually
-usually in labor cases because more or less brought for recovery of property...?

Applicant must be owner of property - Servicewide Specialists v. CA 318 SCRA 493
No replevin of property in custodia legis -
Vda de Danao v. Ginete 395 SCRA 542

Distinguished from labor case – Smart v. Astorga GR 148132 Jan 28 2008 542 SCRA 434
-if you were the employee unjustly dismissed. It turns out you were given use of a company car (here, it is a Honda civic)...
H: the relationship between the owner of the car and the employee with respect to the possession of the property is as debtor creditor...
...sorry, spacing out...

Improperly served – Rivera v. Vargas GR 165895 Jun 5, 2009

Can the title itself be subject of replevin?

Rule 61 Support “Pendente Lite”- -
Judgment for support never final - Lam v. Chua GR 131286 18 Mar 2004
Future support cannot be subject of compromise - De Asis vs. CA, 303 SCRA 176 (1999)

 spacing out after rule 57...