tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27518705320723389262024-02-28T19:21:14.603-08:00Philippine Law CasesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00059656089233637008noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751870532072338926.post-76351350111134183992013-05-30T00:40:00.002-07:002013-05-30T00:40:37.042-07:00BAR Exam 2013 Schedule and Coverage<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Source: <a href="http://chanroblesbar.com/index.php/bar-review-updates/261-schedule-of-the-2013-bar-exams" style="text-align: left;">http://chanroblesbar.com/</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00059656089233637008noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751870532072338926.post-81152122156435257382013-05-19T22:33:00.003-07:002013-05-30T00:52:42.273-07:00Best Place to Study<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="color: #e69138; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;"><b style="color: #f1c232;">LOOKING FOR SOME </b></b></div>
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<b style="color: #e69138; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;"><b style="color: #f1c232;">PLACE TO STUDY?</b></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">There are many good places to study for any test,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">you just have to look for three things</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">when finding a good study place: </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 24pt; line-height: 36px;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 24pt; line-height: 36px;">C</span></b><b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">omfort, appropriate noise levels, </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">and information access</span></b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 24pt; line-height: 36px;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 24pt; line-height: 36px;">S</span></b><b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">tudying in your room passes most of the</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">qualifications of a good study place...</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">unless you happen to have roommates,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">in which case, you may need to vacate.</span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 24pt; line-height: 36px;">A </span></b><b><span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">coffee shop is perfect for studying...</span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">unless ambient noise is a distraction for you, </span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">like it could be for auditory learners. </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Raleway; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;"></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 24pt; line-height: 36px;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 24pt; line-height: 36px;">M</span></b><b><span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">ost coffee shops have WiFi,</span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">you can access info with your laptop</span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">but it's either a paid access to WiFi or</span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">that the power plugs for your gadgets is limited,</span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 24pt; line-height: 36px;">T</span></b><b><span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">hus, it can be disappointing when you</span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">go there thinking that you’d have quality time</span></b><br />
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<b style="color: #f1c232; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">AN OVERLOOKED PLACE...</b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;"><span lang="EN" style="color: red; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">One of the overlooked places to study is</span></b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Raleway; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">AlCHEMY BUSINESS CENTER</span></b>
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;"><span lang="EN" style="color: red; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">in Katipunan Ave.,</span></b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;"><span lang="EN" style="color: red; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">Loyola Heights,</span></b>
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;"><span lang="EN" style="color: red; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">across Ateneo de Manila University,</span></b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;"><span lang="EN" style="color: red; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;">Quezon City, Philippines</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #6e675b; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.328125px;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 16pt;">Visit Alchemy this MAY and claim your gift below.</span></b></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751870532072338926.post-37800961804895542772013-03-19T22:41:00.001-07:002013-03-19T23:18:42.173-07:002012 Bar Exam Results<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ILJ1-_odY4ZqqpOiQl2ZS5entu-Yqs0Y_vuJ0DF8SAnUi5h-vtWSbfoemb-a5ki8bMR0eFlwRTS1NgPBys4mhyphenhyphen2p_2Ma43KHC9BOkXfXwy54IhpJ1WqyAFzevwg8_rCtJIJaqJ840_M/s798/2012+Bar+exam+results+released+march+20%252C+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ILJ1-_odY4ZqqpOiQl2ZS5entu-Yqs0Y_vuJ0DF8SAnUi5h-vtWSbfoemb-a5ki8bMR0eFlwRTS1NgPBys4mhyphenhyphen2p_2Ma43KHC9BOkXfXwy54IhpJ1WqyAFzevwg8_rCtJIJaqJ840_M/s200/2012+Bar+exam+results+released+march+20%252C+2013.jpg" width="196" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9194FpEsgRAAKnAGOJeL_echus9XXIJhUT8iM8hpC0nnqozlMSHjoZXFekRQkTWiz1cqQnSJdnEh7PnSwmZ9wGM7Jf_V9k10Oatoc7vsyG99YDdBdqAogT4gJAxvnbSZr0-HR6pxCpo/s1600/Top+10+of+2012+Bar+Examinations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9194FpEsgRAAKnAGOJeL_echus9XXIJhUT8iM8hpC0nnqozlMSHjoZXFekRQkTWiz1cqQnSJdnEh7PnSwmZ9wGM7Jf_V9k10Oatoc7vsyG99YDdBdqAogT4gJAxvnbSZr0-HR6pxCpo/s400/Top+10+of+2012+Bar+Examinations.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"> Photo by Purple Romero</span></td></tr>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px;">
<b>Here are the examinees who obtained the 10 highest ratings in the 2012 Bar Examinations:</b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px;">
1. INGLES, Ignatius Michael D., Ateneo de Manila University, 85.640%<br />
2. KING KAY, Catherine Beatrice O., Ateneo de Manila University, 84.720%<br />
3. LACSON, April Carmela B., University of the Philippines, 84.480%<br />
4. ROMUALDO, Xavier Jesus D., Ateneo de Manila University, 84.100%<br />
5. BASE, Maria Graciela D., University of the Philippines; MACHUCA, Jose Maria Angel P., Ateneo de Manila University, 83.990%<br />
6. SALAZAR, Patrick Henry D., University of the Philippines, 83.710%<br />
7. BARCELONA, Ralph Karlo B., Aquinas University, 83.430%<br />
8. LLAMAS, Marvyn S., Ateneo de Manila University, 83.290%<br />
9. LI, Carlo Martin C., Ateneo de Manila University, 83.270%<br />
10. TIOPIANCO, Francis Paolo P., University of the Philippines, 83.250%</div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Here is the complete list of successful examinees:</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px;">
1. A JOSE- AGUSTIN, Karren<br />
2. ABASTILLAS, Lemuel<br />
3. ABERIN, Ma. Christine<br />
4. ABES, Royce Nieville<br />
5. ABRENZOSA, Cleofe<br />
6. ABUAN, Ruby Ryza<br />
7. ACEDO, Kristian Josef<br />
8. ACORDA, Jacqueline<br />
9. ACOSTA, Lourdes Mae<br />
10. ACOSTA, JR., Gil<br />
11. ACUÑA, Jose Fidel<br />
12. ADAN, Jan Mari<br />
13. ADAP, Sanawia<br />
14. AGANA, III, Carlos Ivan<br />
15. AGATEP, Pia Augustha<br />
16. AGBAY-ABILAR, Janice<br />
17. AGBON, Ma. Cecelia Esperanza<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://philippinelawcases.blogspot.com/2013/03/2012-bar-exam-results.html">CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE LIST OF 2012 BAR EXAM PASSERS</a></b></h3>
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<a name='more'></a><br />
18. AGOPITAC, Nestle<br />
19. AGUAVIVA, Ava Marie<br />
20. AJES-LAURENTE, Lilibeth<br />
21. ALAMEDA, Abigail<br />
22. ALAWI, JR., Saipal<br />
23. ALBANO, Pia Ursula<br />
24. ALBANO, Ranvylle<br />
25. ALBAS, Dominique<br />
26. ALBINA, Dionel<br />
27. ALBOTRA, Tet Chea<br />
28. ALCANTARA, Austin Claude<br />
29. ALCANTARA, Rickmon Albert<br />
30. ALCERA, II, Hermie<br />
31. ALDOVINO, Marian Mae<br />
32. ALEJANDRE, Pauline<br />
33. ALFELOR, JR., Avelino<br />
34. ALI, JR., Lanang<br />
35. ALIM, Nicolito Jesus<br />
36. ALIVIA, Mikhail Sherard<br />
37. ALMARIO, Ann Therese<br />
38. ALMENDRAL, Chrizellie<br />
39. ALMIREZ, Hanna Maria Nica<br />
40. ALOJADO, Carlo Enrico<br />
41. ALVAREZ, Aila May<br />
42. ALVAREZ, Maria Margarita<br />
43. ALVERO, Marierose<br />
44. AMADOR, Tina Andrea<br />
45. AMAN, Takahiro Kenjie<br />
46. AMARO, Ana Mae<br />
47. AMBROCIO, Ma. Carmencita<br />
48. AMSAN, Munib<br />
49. ANDAWI, Melody<br />
50. ANDRION, Jofre<br />
51. ANG, Kathleen Mae<br />
52. ANG, JR., Rodolfo<br />
53. ANGELES, Raul<br />
54. ANTIGUA, Perseus<br />
55. ANTONIO, Rafael<br />
56. APALISOK, JR., Simplicio<br />
57. APARTE, Frances Margaret<br />
58. APORTADERA, Mario Leonardo Emilio<br />
59. AQUENDE, Joseph Angelo Wesley<br />
60. ARANAS, Kim<br />
61. ARCEO, Irene<br />
62. ARCEO, Mariam<br />
63. ARCEÑO, Jackielyn<br />
64. ARDIENTE, Arnold<br />
65. ARELLANO, May Kristine<br />
66. ARIAS, Michelle<br />
67. ARMENTA, Joshua<br />
68. ARQUIZA, Arbee<br />
69. ARQUIZA, Carlo<br />
70. ARRIBA, Mona Liza<br />
71. ARRIOLA, Roanne<br />
72. ARTICONA, Mercedes<br />
73. ARTICULO, Mark Anthony<br />
74. ARTUGUE, Arianne<br />
75. ARUGAY, Manuel Adrian<br />
76. ASPIRAS, Janice<br />
77. ASUNCION, Mark Anthony<br />
78. ASUNTO, Daisy Ray<br />
79. ATANACIO, John David<br />
80. AUGUSTO, Davemark<br />
81. AUSAN, Anniefair<br />
82. AUSTRIA, Carlo<br />
83. AUTENCIO, Anthony<br />
84. AUZA, Jannycer<br />
85. AVILA, Aldan<br />
86. AVILA, Rachelle Faye<br />
87. BABIERA, Jan Christian<br />
88. BACOLOD, Julse<br />
89. BAGAIPO, Cesar<br />
90. BAGATSING, Lea Margarette<br />
91. BAGUIO, Cindy<br />
92. BAGULAYA, Jose Duke<br />
93. BAILAN, Bai Sittie Saida<br />
94. BAINTO, Neal Vincent<br />
95. BAJAS, Joey<br />
96. BAJETA, Jonathan<br />
97. BAKILAN, Bernard<br />
98. BALAGA, Jo Ann<br />
99. BALANQUIT, Raoul Jann<br />
100. BALAORO, Grace<br />
101. BALBA, Zack Hansel<br />
102. BALDOMERO, Ivan Jeffrey<br />
103. BALDOVINO, Aldwin Kenneth<br />
104. BALDOVINO, Alexander<br />
105. BALDOVINO, Tanya Justine<br />
106. BALILI, Neil Aaron<br />
107. BALMES, Irene<br />
108. BALORO, Joemyl<br />
109. BALTAZAR, Ana Lyn<br />
110. BANAYAT-NAS, Hermilia<br />
111. BANDALAN, Jared Anthony<br />
112. BANGHE, Hannah Jane<br />
113. BANZON, Eva<br />
114. BAPTISTA, Joe Allan<br />
115. BARCELONA, Ralph Karlo<br />
116. BARQUEZ, Ma. Elisa Jonalyn<br />
117. BARRIOS, Angelo<br />
118. BASCUGUIN, Maria Jocelyn<br />
119. BASE, Amerissa<br />
120. BASE, Maria Graciela<br />
121. BAUTISTA, Judy-ann<br />
122. BAUTISTA, Krystel Jehan<br />
123. BAUTISTA, Maria Theresa<br />
124. BAYONA, Phoebe Ann<br />
125. BEBER, Dindo<br />
126. BECHAYDA, JR., Jose<br />
127. BEDURAL, Vladimir<br />
128. BENIGIAN, II, Mardovic Dodge<br />
129. BENITEZ, JR., Arcadio<br />
130. BERAY-DE AUSEN, Penelope<br />
131. BERNARDINO, Ramon Felipe<br />
132. BERNARDO, Donna Ametyst<br />
133. BERNARDO, Nicolo<br />
134. BERNARDO, Pallo Mert<br />
135. BIADO, Nazariel<br />
136. BIDAD, Jonelyn<br />
137. BILANGEL, Judy Ann<br />
138. BILIRAN, Amabelle<br />
139. BINARAO, Romael Meng<br />
140. BIRONDO, Francis Ian<br />
141. BLANCIA, Andrei Marion<br />
142. BONDOC, Hector Jerome<br />
143. BONGHANOY, Al<br />
144. BONILLA, Diana Lutgarda<br />
145. BORBON, Mariven<br />
146. BORDON, Maria Janina Ann<br />
147. BORJA, Ma. Arlene<br />
148. BORROMEO, Gabriel Angelo<br />
149. BOTABARA, Theresa<br />
150. BRACERO, II, Wivino<br />
151. BRAGAT, Junrie<br />
152. BRILLANTES, Roselle Louie<br />
153. BRION, Eden<br />
154. BRIONES, Conrado<br />
155. BRIONES, Gerald<br />
156. BRONCE, Roentgen<br />
157. BUAGÑIN, Venice<br />
158. BUENAVENTURA, Ma. Clarissa Hearty<br />
159. BUENAVENTURA, Roberto Martin<br />
160. BULOTANO, Ronnie<br />
161. BULSECO, Khristine Gail<br />
162. BUSTOS, Adrian Francis<br />
163. CABANTING, Gil Matthew<br />
164. CABANTUD, Racel<br />
165. CABATINGAN, Justine Mae<br />
166. CABI, Romina Aina<br />
167. CABIEDES, Rodrigo<br />
168. CABRERA, Fernando Juan<br />
169. CABRERA, John Patrick<br />
170. CACHAPERO, JR., Oliver<br />
171. CADABUNA, Marvin Jay<br />
172. CADDAWAN-PANCHO, Julaida<br />
173. CAHAYAG, Rommel<br />
174. CAIBAN, Lee Ferdinand<br />
175. CAJUCOM, Oscar Carlo<br />
176. CALAG, Welan<br />
177. CALALANG, Mary Bianca<br />
178. CALAMAY, Cesar Norman<br />
179. CALDERINI, Charmaine<br />
180. CALDERON, Abegail Joan<br />
181. CALINGASAN, Charlene Mae<br />
182. CALMA-CHAN, Gabriela<br />
183. CALUAG, Edmond<br />
184. CALVAN, Myrtle<br />
185. CAMACHO, Gianfrancis<br />
186. CAMACHO, Paolo Francisco<br />
187. CAMAGANACAN, Emelie<br />
188. CAMISO, Aldous Benjamin<br />
189. CAMUA, Mariacarla<br />
190. CANDELARIA, Marissa<br />
191. CANTILLAS, Irish Claire<br />
192. CANTOS, Rj<br />
193. CAPANAS, Jovalie Claire<br />
194. CAPELLAN, Marina Victoria<br />
195. CARANDANG, Ma. Buenafe<br />
196. CARBONELL, Rhea Joy<br />
197. CARDIÑO, Gian Carlo<br />
198. CARDONA, Sarah Jeane<br />
199. CARILLO, Marc Jay<br />
200. CARINGAL-DE CASTRO, Maria Yvet<br />
201. CARLOBOS, Princess Christine<br />
202. CARPIO, Menachem<br />
203. CARTAGENA, Philipp King<br />
204. CASADOR, Angeli Ness<br />
205. CASALS, Detchie<br />
206. CASIBANG, JR., Ruben<br />
207. CASIDSID-PORTENTO, Regina<br />
208. CASIO, Jo Ann Marie<br />
209. CASISON-DUNGCA, Maricel<br />
210. CASTILLO, Beverly<br />
211. CASTILLO, Dante<br />
212. CASTILLO, Mark Erwin<br />
213. CASTRO, Joanne Frances<br />
214. CASTRODES, Kristine Joyce<br />
215. CASUELA, Nathaniel Joseph<br />
216. CATACUTAN, Richard<br />
217. CATACUTAN, JR., Felicisimo<br />
218. CATALAN, Jo-am<br />
219. CATALUÑA-RENEGADO, Catherine<br />
220. CATULONG, Zacharias<br />
221. CAYABAN, Iva Freyritz Erica<br />
222. CAYCO, Natasha<br />
223. CAYCO, Victor Carlo Antonio<br />
224. CAÑARES, Vhincent<br />
225. CAÑETE, Stephen Roy<br />
226. CEDEÑO, Jessa Mary Ann<br />
227. CERIALES, Roni<br />
228. CHAN, Christian<br />
229. CHAN, Clifford<br />
230. CHAN, Jereline<br />
231. CHAVES, Carla Michelle<br />
232. CHING, May Ann<br />
233. CHINTE, Mary Eileen<br />
234. CHU, Kristine Paula<br />
235. CHUA, Sacel Anne<br />
236. CINCO, Abegail Marie<br />
237. CLAUDIO, Joanne Lucille Germaine<br />
238. CLAUDIO, Kristoffer<br />
239. CLAUDIO, Lesley Anne<br />
240. CLEDERA, Kim Debra<br />
241. COMA, Joanne Marie<br />
242. CONCEPCION, Irene Charmaine<br />
243. CONCEPCION, Robin Bryan<br />
244. CONDE, Fiona<br />
245. CONDE, Maricar<br />
246. CONVOCAR, Daniel Luis<br />
247. CORESIS, Ma. Katrina<br />
248. CORPUZ, Danielle Sigfreid<br />
249. CORPUZ, Grazielynne<br />
250. CORRALES, Michael John<br />
251. CORSAME-FUENTES, Gazzelenne<br />
252. COVARRUBIAS, Jose Janello<br />
253. CRISOSTOMO, Jaim Mari<br />
254. CRUZ, Emmanuel Rey<br />
255. CRUZ, Gino Carlo<br />
256. CRUZ, Jennifer Anne Marie<br />
257. CRUZ, Keneth Joyce<br />
258. CRUZ, Niño Martin<br />
259. CRUZ, Roxanne Joan<br />
260. CUARTERO, Dave<br />
261. CUBA, Margareth Kristel<br />
262. CUBERO, Ronald<br />
263. CUBILLAN, Asis<br />
264. CUCHAPIN, Mykedox Knoel<br />
265. CUEVAS, Dyan Marie<br />
266. CUI, Rosabel<br />
267. CURADA, Yul Bernie<br />
268. CURAMMENG, Jessieh Rey<br />
269. CUSTODIO, Daniel Ben<br />
270. DANCE, Kristoffer Lee<br />
271. DAPITON, Roel<br />
272. DAQUIOAG, Florence<br />
273. DE ANDRES, JR., Gabriel<br />
274. DE CHAVEZ, Marc Roby<br />
275. DE CHAVEZ-ALEDO, Sharon<br />
276. DE DUMO, Jilliane Joyce<br />
277. DE GUZMAN, Arjel<br />
278. DE GUZMAN, Michael<br />
279. DE GUZMAN, Robert Josef<br />
280. DE GUZMAN, Steven Michael<br />
281. DE LA CRUZ, Christian<br />
282. DE LEON, Jose<br />
283. DE LOS REYES, Dianne Margarette<br />
284. DE LOS SANTOS, Christian Loren<br />
285. DE MESA, Beverly Elvy<br />
286. DE VERA, Ma. Christine Fel<br />
287. DE VERA, II, Rustico<br />
288. DE VILLA, Rhodora<br />
289. DEJARME, Doreen<br />
290. DEL ROSARIO, Joseph Carl<br />
291. DELA CALZADA, Renato<br />
292. DELA CRUZ, Gerald<br />
293. DELA CRUZ, Glenna Mari<br />
294. DELA CRUZ, Vann Allen<br />
295. DELA CUESTA, Rogie<br />
296. DELA PEÑA, Toni Carla<br />
297. DELOS SANTOS, Lilian<br />
298. DEOMPOC, Mary Khristel<br />
299. DEVERATURDA, Joan Paula<br />
300. DIALINO, Karen<br />
301. DIAZ, Mario Vincent<br />
302. DIESMOS, Angelo Ted<br />
303. DIESTO, Jovian<br />
304. DIGO, Jerry<br />
305. DIMACULANGAN, Roberto Miguel<br />
306. DIMAFELIX, II, Alfredo<br />
307. DIMATATAC, Edwin<br />
308. DIMSON, Caira Joyce<br />
309. DIOKNO, Angelo<br />
310. DISPO, D'lorenz Miro<br />
311. DIZON, Justinne<br />
312. DOCENA, Hans Christian<br />
313. DOGWE-RAMIREZ, Marifi<br />
314. DOMINGO, Frances Yani<br />
315. DOMINGUEZ, Ilyn<br />
316. DONATO, Carol<br />
317. DORIA, Dianne<br />
318. DU, Minister Moises<br />
319. DUAZO, Rose Shayne<br />
320. DUCUSIN, Alejandro<br />
321. DULAY-MARCOS, Vicky Runa<br />
322. DUMAGAT, Maricon<br />
323. DUMALAY, Marichriz<br />
324. DUNUAN, Brionelle La Realesa<br />
325. DY, Frederick<br />
326. ELEAZAR, Armand Dietrich<br />
327. ELGO, Phil Ephraim<br />
328. ELTANAL, Felwin Rau<br />
329. ENAD, Rajiv<br />
330. ENCABO, III, Melchisedech<br />
331. ENCARNACION, Ian<br />
332. ENCARNACION, Mark Francis<br />
333. EPE, Evan<br />
334. ERMINO, Augusto Ceasar<br />
335. ESCALONA, Leo Miguel<br />
336. ESCATRON, Karie<br />
337. ESCOBER, Carlo<br />
338. ESCUETA, Leonard<br />
339. ESMENDA, Alvin<br />
340. ESMERALDA, Patrick<br />
341. ESPARCIA, Janis Louis<br />
342. ESPARRAGO, Sheldon<br />
343. ESPINA, Corin Celeste<br />
344. ESPINOSA, Ron Ely<br />
345. ESPIRITU, Harvey Rhey<br />
346. ESPIRITU, Leah Eloisa<br />
347. ESPIRITU, Paula<br />
348. ESQUIVIAS, Joaquin Pablo<br />
349. ESTIGOY, Karene Maneka<br />
350. ESTRADA-ALCANTARA, Maria Socorro<br />
351. ESTRELLA, Eric<br />
352. EVAN, Noel<br />
353. EVANGELISTA, Carlo Eduardo<br />
354. EX, Doyle<br />
355. EÑANO, Carissa Ann<br />
356. FABUL, Joseph Vincent<br />
357. FAJARDO, Celerina Rose<br />
358. FAJARDO, Idamae<br />
359. FAJARDO, Jan Ale<br />
360. FATALLA, Dave Florenz<br />
361. FEDERIO, Maria Desiree<br />
362. FELICES, Rachel Marie<br />
363. FELICIA, Luz Angela<br />
364. FELIPE, Eduardo<br />
365. FELIX, Peter Anthony Joseph<br />
366. FERIA, Jerome Christopher<br />
367. FERNANDO, Angelo<br />
368. FERRAREN, Ryan<br />
369. FERRER, Rosette<br />
370. FLORES, Raymund Jonas<br />
371. FLORES, Soleil<br />
372. FLORES, II, Lester Jay Alan<br />
373. FOLLO, Dennis<br />
374. FONTANILLA, Viktor Samuel<br />
375. FRAGANTE, Francis<br />
376. FRANCISCO, Jeremiah<br />
377. FRANCISCO, Jose Ma. Jason<br />
378. FULGENCIO, Genesis<br />
379. GABITO, Garry<br />
380. GABOR-TOLENTINO, Joy Marie<br />
381. GADIT, Earl<br />
382. GALANG, John Paul<br />
383. GALICIA, Gene Franco<br />
384. GALLEVO-BAMBO, Majella Theresa<br />
385. GALMAN, Franklin Gerard<br />
386. GALVEZ, Edmund Cyril<br />
387. GALVEZ, Jerico Angelo<br />
388. GAMO, Ciselie Marie<br />
389. GANASI, Dante<br />
390. GANDO, Jovi Louie<br />
391. GARCIA, Jan David<br />
392. GARCIA, Junnar<br />
393. GARCIA, Ron Michael<br />
394. GARCINEZ, Paolo Gonzalo<br />
395. GARRIDO, Kinni Albert<br />
396. GATCHALIAN, Kate Carra<br />
397. GATDULA, Genesis<br />
398. GAYANILO, Brian<br />
399. GENON, Aero Jel<br />
400. GEOCANIGA, Gene Pedmon<br />
401. GERNALE, Jay<br />
402. GERVACIO, Diana<br />
403. GIGANTONE, Maria Riza Lea<br />
404. GILBUENA, Francis Conrad<br />
405. GINGOYON, Laiza Kristel<br />
406. GO, David Michael<br />
407. GO, Marie Michelle<br />
408. GO, Paolo Angelo<br />
409. GOC-ONG, Lara May<br />
410. GODINEZ, Jose Mari<br />
411. GOMEZ, Ace<br />
412. GOMEZ, Joni<br />
413. GOMEZ, Mikhail Josef<br />
414. GONZAGA, Odessa Grace<br />
415. GONZALES, Christian<br />
416. GONZALES, Jenny<br />
417. GONZALES, Kristine Carmela<br />
418. GONZALES, Nil Ryan<br />
419. GORDULA, Xavier Elbert<br />
420. GOYENA, Ma. Flor De Lis<br />
421. GRANADO, Glenbelle<br />
422. GUANGCO, Ma. Veronica<br />
423. GUERRA, Blesscille<br />
424. GUERRERO, Alan Martin<br />
425. GUERRERO, Katrina Elena<br />
426. GUEVARA, Kristine Bernadette<br />
427. GUILLERMO, Maica<br />
428. GUINOMLA, Mohammad Jamaludin<br />
429. GUINTO, Celeni Kristine<br />
430. GUMBAN, Margaret Rose<br />
431. GUMBAN, Vanessa<br />
432. GURREA, Fay Irene<br />
433. GUTIERREZ, Eva Marie<br />
434. GUZMAN, Jeffvince<br />
435. HADLOCON, Fatima Faye<br />
436. HASSANI, Mary Sayeh<br />
437. HEREDIA, Criselda<br />
438. HERMOSURA, Chasmeneth<br />
439. HERNANDEZ, Maria Concepcion<br />
440. HERNANDEZ, Patricia Andrea<br />
441. HILARIO, Dan Raphael<br />
442. HILARIO, Kyndell<br />
443. HINLO, Marco<br />
444. HIPOLITO, Maria Monica<br />
445. HULIGANGA, Lovella May<br />
446. HUMARANG, Jayson<br />
447. HUMILDE, Noemi<br />
448. IBAÑEZ, Jonathan<br />
449. IGNACIO, Christopher John Marcelino<br />
450. ILANO, Jose Angelito<br />
451. IMPERIAL, Ramil<br />
452. IMRAN, Adzlan<br />
453. INCIONG, Jhoan Andrei<br />
454. INDIOLA, Rio Aiko<br />
455. INFANTE, Colleen<br />
456. INGLES, Ignatius Michael<br />
457. INLAO, Charle Magne<br />
458. IRANZO, Kristoffer Edward<br />
459. ISIDRO, Laida May<br />
460. JAAFAR, Faigdar<br />
461. JACOBA, Maria Laviña Rae<br />
462. JARANILLA, David<br />
463. JAVIER, April Rose<br />
464. JAVIER, Carlo Michael<br />
465. JAYME, Joel<br />
466. JOAQUINO, JR., Joseph James<br />
467. JUAN, Vincent<br />
468. JUATCO, Francis<br />
469. JULARBAL, Starr<br />
470. JUSI, Genevieve<br />
471. KALAW, Jenny Kay<br />
472. KATIPUNAN, Andrea<br />
473. KIAMZON, Joyful Josette<br />
474. KING KAY, Catherine Beatrice<br />
475. KO, Patricia<br />
476. KUSAIN-KANSI, Adjuria<br />
477. LA ROSA-MILLARES, Katherine Joy<br />
478. LABADOR, Jed<br />
479. LABIANO, Lester<br />
480. LACAP, Karen Kristi<br />
481. LACEDA, Jovert<br />
482. LACHICA, Lemuel<br />
483. LACNO, Sarah Vanessa<br />
484. LACSON, April Carmela<br />
485. LAGGUI, Marie Hyacinth<br />
486. LAMBINO, Mary Rhauline<br />
487. LAMSEN, Jaenicen<br />
488. LANGIT, Earla Kahlila Mikhaila<br />
489. LANTION, Mell Christopher<br />
490. LANUZO, Ma. Czarina<br />
491. LAO, Michael Stephen<br />
492. LAOHOO, Joyce Elaine<br />
493. LAUROS, Jus<br />
494. LAXAMANA, Aufelene Anne<br />
495. LAYAAN, Geraldine<br />
496. LAZARO, Grace Ann<br />
497. LAZARO, Nicholai Noel<br />
498. LEAL, Lemuel<br />
499. LEDESMA, Leofred Ian<br />
500. LEGASPI, Erwin<br />
501. LEI, John Christopherson<br />
502. LEIDO, Juan Paolo Miguel<br />
503. LELIS, Alexa Marie<br />
504. LENA, Andrew John<br />
505. LEONG-ANUDIN, Leslie Ann<br />
506. LERONA, Lawuel<br />
507. LI, Carlo Martin<br />
508. LIGGAYU, Minehaha<br />
509. LIM, Jhella<br />
510. LIM, Rachelle<br />
511. LIM, Timothy Dalton<br />
512. LIM-MAGTANGGOL, Rachelle<br />
513. LISTONES, Paul<br />
514. LIWAG, Jobelle Joyce<br />
515. LLAMAS, Marvyn<br />
516. LOGROÑO, Princess Jazmine<br />
517. LONDRES, Louie Marie<br />
518. LOPEZ-BALUYUT, Philjoy<br />
519. LORA, Lizette Lou<br />
520. LOTOC, Jeremy<br />
521. LOZADA, Maria Kristile<br />
522. LOZANO, Daphne<br />
523. LU, Antonio Miguel<br />
524. LUCAS, Danjun<br />
525. LUCIANO, Mark Christian<br />
526. LUIB, JR., Ronald<br />
527. LUNA, Myla<br />
528. LUNASCO, Emil<br />
529. MABANTA, Marco Jose Maria<br />
530. MABAZZA, Paolo<br />
531. MACABODBOD, Lou Bryan<br />
532. MACARAEG, Marck Joseph<br />
533. MACARANDANG, Deen Asliah<br />
534. MACARAYAN, Maichel Rick<br />
535. MACHUCA, Jose Maria Angel<br />
536. MADRIDIJO, Marlon<br />
537. MAGCALAS, Felman Gem<br />
538. MAGLINAO, Patrick<br />
539. MALABUYOC, Ichelle<br />
540. MALAGA, Vic Randolf<br />
541. MALALAD, Warren Wesley<br />
542. MALASA, Michelene<br />
543. MALAWANI, Hanaphi<br />
544. MALLANAO, Paul<br />
545. MAMAILAO, Athiena<br />
546. MAMAILAO, Paiza<br />
547. MAMUKID, Michael<br />
548. MANALO, May<br />
549. MANALO, Melchor<br />
550. MANANDEG, Gertrude Gay<br />
551. MANAUIS, JR., Conrado<br />
552. MANCAO, Katrina Michelle<br />
553. MANGSI, Sanchez<br />
554. MANGUBAT, Rex<br />
555. MANIEGO, Catriona Rhiannon<br />
556. MANRIQUE, Bernard<br />
557. MANUEL, Sheila Gene<br />
558. MAQUILAN, Jonathan<br />
559. MARANAN, Maria Carmela<br />
560. MARASIGAN, Nathan<br />
561. MARAÑA, Jonalyn<br />
562. MARCELO, Monica Joy<br />
563. MARCELO, Ronel<br />
564. MARIÑAS, Maria Rosario<br />
565. MARON-MARTIN, Vobbye Jean<br />
566. MAROTO, Ma. Alexandria Ixara<br />
567. MARQUESES, Dan Michael<br />
568. MARQUEZ, JR., Reynaldo<br />
569. MARTIN, Mary Marjorie<br />
570. MARTINEZ, IV, Lorenzo<br />
571. MARTIREZ, Ike<br />
572. MARTY, Frank Edward<br />
573. MASLOG, Ma. Sheryl<br />
574. MATALAM, Jamil Adrian Khalil<br />
575. MATIAS, Serwin<br />
576. MATILDO, JR, Lerdo<br />
577. MAURERA, Katherine<br />
578. MAYUGA, Adrian<br />
579. MAÑEBO, Ferdinand<br />
580. MEDINA, Maria Ana Karina<br />
581. MEJIA, Nina Remedios<br />
582. MEJIA, Venus Amelie<br />
583. MELGAR, III, Josefino<br />
584. MENDOZA, Daniel Angelo<br />
585. MENDOZA, Emaculada Concepcion<br />
586. MENDOZA, Gerardo<br />
587. MENDOZA, Jason<br />
588. MENDOZA, Marychelle<br />
589. MENZON, Anthony<br />
590. MERCADER, Ryan<br />
591. MERIDA, JR., Manuel<br />
592. MILLEZA, Carmel Rosame<br />
593. MILLORA, II, Efren Joe<br />
594. MINA, Iellen Therese<br />
595. MIRANDA-RIMONTE, Ana<br />
596. MIRAVALLES, Samantha<br />
597. MITCHOR, April<br />
598. MONTANO, IV, Julian<br />
599. MONTEMAYOR, Meriam<br />
600. MONTENEGRO, Kutz Melvin<br />
601. MORA, Crisanto<br />
602. MORALES, Armand<br />
603. MORALES, Generick Humprey<br />
604. MORGA, Ryan Calvin<br />
605. MORILLO, Leo Adrian<br />
606. MOTOOMULL-IDULSA, Marian Kanna<br />
607. MUCOY-GRANADOS, Meralie<br />
608. MULI, Katrina<br />
609. MUPAS, Remedios<br />
610. MUTIA, Mohammad Nabil<br />
611. MUÑIZ, Angelo<br />
612. MUÑOZ, Giselle Angelica<br />
613. NAGAÑO, Lord Jayson<br />
614. NAVARRA, Cherrylyn<br />
615. NEJUDNE, Paul<br />
616. NICOLAS, Jerwin<br />
617. NIEMES, Vanessa<br />
618. NIEVES, Jonas<br />
619. NIFRAS, Francis Ariel<br />
620. NOEL, Laura Katrina<br />
621. NOGRALES, Juan Fidel Felipe<br />
622. NONATO, Roselle Jean<br />
623. NOVERAS, Chrsitian<br />
624. NUCUP, Neil<br />
625. NUEVO, Genie Celini<br />
626. NUÑEZ, Jeremie<br />
627. OBIAS, John Dominic<br />
628. OCADO, Allian<br />
629. OCAMPO, Christopher Louie<br />
630. OCAMPO, Gilbert Paolo<br />
631. OCAMPO, Riza Lyn<br />
632. OFANDA, Adonis<br />
633. OLAVERE, Albert<br />
634. OLYMPIA, Abrame-lionel Gamaliel<br />
635. OMOLON, Maila Giselle<br />
636. ONA, Kristel Concepcion<br />
637. ONG, Tracy Anne<br />
638. OPINION, Richard<br />
639. OPOSA, Juan Antonio<br />
640. OPSIMA, Gayle<br />
641. ORAL, Daniel Martin<br />
642. ORATE, Danessa Fayne<br />
643. ORBETA, Frances Grace Allyana<br />
644. ORBITA, Chona<br />
645. ORDOÑEZ, Jaclyn Anne<br />
646. ORTIZ, Edison<br />
647. OSORIO, Rolant Andrie<br />
648. PABLICO, Maria Asuncion<br />
649. PABLICO, My Kristia<br />
650. PACASEM, Ubaida<br />
651. PADER-VILLANUEVA, Carmina Agnes<br />
652. PADILLA, Albert<br />
653. PADILLA JR., Victor<br />
654. PADOGA, Dean Martin<br />
655. PAGADOR, Winston<br />
656. PAGALILAUAN, Edison James<br />
657. PAGLICAWAN, Maria Angelica<br />
658. PALENCIA-UYTENGSU, Maida Joy<br />
659. PALLA, Bartolome<br />
660. PALOMAR, Sunshine<br />
661. PALU-AY, Matias Monico<br />
662. PANA, Melbourne Ziro<br />
663. PANGANIBAN, Victoria<br />
664. PANTIG, Hazel<br />
665. PARADO, Lovely Myrrh<br />
666. PAREJA, Judiel<br />
667. PARUBRUB, Christina<br />
668. PARUNGAO, Ronald<br />
669. PASION, Roseann Claudine<br />
670. PATAUEG, JR., Nicolas<br />
671. PATIÑO, Erica Christel<br />
672. PAVON, Teddy Edmund<br />
673. PAYUMO, Margielyn<br />
674. PAZZIUAGAN, Cheska Ann<br />
675. PEDROSA, JR., Jose Aaron<br />
676. PEGALAN, Ricky Heart<br />
677. PELAEZ, Lawrence Leo<br />
678. PELANDAS, Bryan<br />
679. PELINIO, Norman<br />
680. PELOBELLO, JR., Herminio<br />
681. PERALTA, Romark<br />
682. PERANDOS, Katty Jean Lourdes<br />
683. PERAS, Phoebeth<br />
684. PERDITO, Kristine Jane<br />
685. PEREDO-MILLAN, Cynthia Lyn<br />
686. PEREGRINO-CO, Jaydee<br />
687. PEREZ, Alexander Brian<br />
688. PEREZ, Lilibeth<br />
689. PERNITES, Russel<br />
690. PEÑADA, Joanna May<br />
691. PICZON, Edson<br />
692. PILAR, Sir Achilles<br />
693. PIMENTEL, Joanna Pauline<br />
694. PINILI, Richard<br />
695. PIÑON, Joseph Carlo<br />
696. PLAZA, Leslie Mae<br />
697. PLAZO, Joseph<br />
698. PRADO, Carlos Manuel<br />
699. PRINCIPIO, Pearl Lizza<br />
700. PROCHINA, Mary Avon<br />
701. PUA, Alvin Greg<br />
702. PUA, Moses Eleazar<br />
703. PUERTO, Basil<br />
704. PUGUON, Jener<br />
705. QUESADA, Michael<br />
706. QUEZADA, Peter Paul<br />
707. QUIACHON, Nea Cecille<br />
708. QUIAMBAO, Reinier<br />
709. QUIBO, Grace May<br />
710. QUIBRANZA, Lorraine Anne<br />
711. QUILATES, Donelle Jay<br />
712. QUIMPO, Andro Julio<br />
713. QUINAGORAN, Fidelis Victorino<br />
714. QUINTOS, Beverly Anne<br />
715. QUISUMBING, Julia Francesca<br />
716. RADAZA, Eirah<br />
717. RAFAEL, Marq Azeus<br />
718. RAMEL, Christopher<br />
719. RAMOS, Agatha Kristy<br />
720. RAMOS, Billy James<br />
721. RAMOS, Dave<br />
722. RAMOS, Maridelle<br />
723. RAMOS, Raymond<br />
724. RASO, Karl Vincent<br />
725. RAVELO, Zaide<br />
726. RAYMUNDO, Vir Celito<br />
727. RECIERDO, Mark Francis<br />
728. RECIO, Albee Alliana<br />
729. RECTO, Mark Alvin<br />
730. REMOLACIO, Emmanuel<br />
731. REPOLLO-UY, Alnessa Thea<br />
732. REVALDE, Jeser<br />
733. REVILLA, JR., Rodrigo<br />
734. REYES, Clarisse<br />
735. REYES, Jaymie Ann<br />
736. REYES, Jose Antonio<br />
737. REYES, Maryann Agnes Jertez<br />
738. REYES, Misheil<br />
739. RICAFLANCA, Leizl<br />
740. RICAZA, Michelle Marie<br />
741. RIGODON, Lou Diane<br />
742. RILLERA, Jobert<br />
743. RIVERA, Joonee Randyl<br />
744. ROA-OARDE, Dianne Marie<br />
745. ROBLES, Edgar Michael<br />
746. ROBLES, Sunshine<br />
747. ROCHA, Robert Angelo<br />
748. RODRIGUEZ, Miracle Anne<br />
749. ROJO, Jane Catherine<br />
750. ROLEDA, Danell Lenard<br />
751. ROMEA, George Michael<br />
752. ROMERO, Allan<br />
753. ROMUALDO, Xavier Jesus<br />
754. RONDAL, Jaye Loren<br />
755. ROSALES, Vicente Rafael<br />
756. ROXAS, Juan Paolo<br />
757. RUBINO, Junald<br />
758. RUDAS, Vincent<br />
759. SABADO, Joseph Mario<br />
760. SABAS, Lloyd Francis<br />
761. SABAUPAN, Flor Angela<br />
762. SABORNAY, Ricky<br />
763. SABORNIDO, Noemi<br />
764. SAGARIO, Leo Angelo<br />
765. SAJONIA, Louie<br />
766. SALARZON, Henry Claude Roy<br />
767. SALAZAR, Jerome<br />
768. SALAZAR, Patrick Henry<br />
769. SALCEDO, Anna<br />
770. SALCEDO-PUDPUD, Debbie Love<br />
771. SALEM-INES, Chermibelle<br />
772. SALENDAB, Ayla Herazade<br />
773. SALLIDAO, Eric<br />
774. SALVA, Carlo Emmanuel<br />
775. SALVANI, A.d. Vincent Iv<br />
776. SAMACO, Leo Bernard<br />
777. SAMSON, Martin Luigi<br />
778. SAN DIEGO, JR., Virgilio<br />
779. SAN PEDRO, Leila Grace<br />
780. SANCHEZ, Janer<br />
781. SANCHEZ, Marie Yasmin<br />
782. SANDOVAL, Camhella<br />
783. SANDOVAL, Josephine Grace<br />
784. SANDRINO, Maureen Grace<br />
785. SANGGACALA, Naima<br />
786. SANTAMARIA, Dindo<br />
787. SANTIAGO, Dulce Corazon<br />
788. SANTIAGO, Jefferson<br />
789. SANTIAGO, Philippe Emile<br />
790. SANTOS, Alexander<br />
791. SANTOS, Ana Lorraine<br />
792. SANTOS, Aurelia Beatrice<br />
793. SANTOS, Hanzel<br />
794. SANTOS, Joel<br />
795. SANTOS, Joel<br />
796. SANTOS, Joel Enrico<br />
797. SANTOS, Juan Paolo<br />
798. SANTOS, Karichi<br />
799. SANTOS, Kathleen Mae<br />
800. SANTOS, Melissa Christina<br />
801. SARABOSQUEZ, Justine Keith<br />
802. SARANGAYA, JR., Ismael<br />
803. SARI, Jayson<br />
804. SARONA, JR., Isidro<br />
805. SAYSON, Charlotte Lyza<br />
806. SAZON, Ser Christian<br />
807. SEE, Candice Faye<br />
808. SELLEZA, Suzy Claire<br />
809. SERCADO, Marie Arcie Anne<br />
810. SERENIO, Darlon<br />
811. SERENO, Jose Lorenzo<br />
812. SIA, Emmanuel<br />
813. SIADEN, Nathaniel<br />
814. SIASON-VILLA, Belinda<br />
815. SINGCO, Jamee<br />
816. SINGZON, Maria Eloisa Imelda<br />
817. SIRON, Monica Leonila<br />
818. SISON, Juvin<br />
819. SO, Jelani Carlo<br />
820. SO, Kristina Carmela<br />
821. SOBREPEÑA, Deborah Miriam<br />
822. SOCO, Patrina<br />
823. SOCRATES, Louie<br />
824. SOLEJON, Franie<br />
825. SOLIDON, Ed Rowland<br />
826. SOLIVEN, Jan Vincent<br />
827. SOMOROSTRO, Genaro<br />
828. SORIANO, Raymond Adrian<br />
829. SORIANO, Sarah<br />
830. SORIASO, Louresse Patricia Jane<br />
831. SPALDING, Donn Robert<br />
832. STA. BARBARA, Jesus Erick<br />
833. SUAREZ, Roberto Paolo<br />
834. SUAREZ, Shiela May<br />
835. SULIT, Dioxenos<br />
836. SUMAGAYSAY, Laser Blitz<br />
837. SUMAOY, Dexter Rey<br />
838. SUMIBCAY, Dexter Caesar<br />
839. SUROPIA, Fehma<br />
840. SY, Clarence<br />
841. TABALON, Leonard Lyle<br />
842. TABLADILLO, Stephanie<br />
843. TADIQUE, Roxanne<br />
844. TAGANAS, Olivia<br />
845. TAGUBA, Jezreel Caridad<br />
846. TAGUIAM, Christa Maria<br />
847. TAIB, Najeeb<br />
848. TALLEDO, Harold Christian<br />
849. TAMAYO, Maribel<br />
850. TAMONDONG, Mark Lester<br />
851. TAMONDONG, JR., Eddie<br />
852. TAN, Cheryl Bevin<br />
853. TAN, Maria Theresa<br />
854. TAN, Talitha Renee<br />
855. TANCINCO, Rafael Lorenzo<br />
856. TANCINCO, Roy Shaun<br />
857. TANGCO, Karen Kreez<br />
858. TANSINGCO, Samira Nimfa<br />
859. TANUNTANUM, Erik<br />
860. TAPIA, Mayette<br />
861. TATLONGHARI, Renel<br />
862. TAYHOPON, Kristoffer Ryan<br />
863. TE, Justine<br />
864. TECSON, Janna Mae<br />
865. TEEHANKEE, Ryan Christopher<br />
866. TELAN, John Benedict<br />
867. TINAGAN, James Michael Vincent<br />
868. TING, Camille Sue Mae<br />
869. TIOPIANCO, Francis Paolo<br />
870. TOBIAS, Ana Patricia<br />
871. TOLENTINO, Arc Aldrin<br />
872. TORREFLORES-ALIAN, Connie<br />
873. TORRENTIRA, Rosalio<br />
874. TORRES, Phillip<br />
875. TORRES, Reyjie<br />
876. TRASPORTO, Jose Donel<br />
877. TUGADI, Marifem<br />
878. TUMANDA, Jansyl Lovan<br />
879. TUPAZ, Kristine<br />
880. TUTAAN, Tyrone<br />
881. TY, Evita Grace<br />
882. UBERITA, Joan<br />
883. UDDIN, Zalman<br />
884. URSUA, Melissa Asuncion<br />
885. USON, Adriana Alexis<br />
886. UY, Johan Christian<br />
887. UY, Kim Raisa<br />
888. UY, Rhea<br />
889. VALAQUIO, Ma. Ailyne<br />
890. VALDEZ, Cristina<br />
891. VALDEZ, Maia Chiara Halmen Reina<br />
892. VALDEZ, JR., Edgar<br />
893. VALENCIA, David Evelio<br />
894. VALENTIN, Charmaine<br />
895. VALENTON, Johvie<br />
896. VALERA, Stephen Russel Keith<br />
897. VARGAS, Jacqueline<br />
898. VARGAS, Mona Angela<br />
899. VARON, Iniego Carl<br />
900. VELASCO, Ethelene<br />
901. VELASCO, Lady Ivy Vanity<br />
902. VELOSO, III, Marcelino<br />
903. VENTURA, Mary Grace<br />
904. VENTURA, Ruby Ann<br />
905. VENZUELA, Kristine Ann<br />
906. VERCIDE-LUNA, Jocelyn<br />
907. VERTULFO-ARBOLE, Jovilly Donna<br />
908. VESTIL, Rosalita<br />
909. VICENTE, Nilda<br />
910. VIERNES, JR., Celestino<br />
911. VILLACORTE, Audrey Eunize<br />
912. VILLALOBOS, Melchor<br />
913. VILLALON, Albert Angelo<br />
914. VILLANO, Sheela<br />
915. VILLANUEVA, Carlos Joseph<br />
916. VILLANUEVA, Norliza<br />
917. VILLANUEVA, Ralph Christian<br />
918. VILLANUEVA, Roberto<br />
919. VILLANUEVA, Ronn Michael<br />
920. VILLANUEVA, Tiofilo<br />
921. VILLAR, Viferlyn<br />
922. VIRAY, Joshua<br />
923. VIRTUDAZO, Rilven Christian<br />
924. VIÑAS, Sheiryl<br />
925. WACQUISAN, Ma. Tilde Titina<br />
926. WHITE, Charles Jensen<br />
927. WIEDMER, Patrick Heinz<br />
928. WONG, Joyce Anne<br />
929. YAM, Mark Benjamin<br />
930. YANG, Alarice<br />
931. YANKEE, Jimson<br />
932. YAO, Jacqueline Anne<br />
933. YAP, Cherrylin<br />
934. YAP, Shan Yran<br />
935. YAU, Weny<br />
936. YLADE, Donna Frances<br />
937. YMAS, Priscilla Mae<br />
938. YODICO, II, Rodolfo<br />
939. YOUNG, Michael Wilson<br />
940. YU, Diane Cecilia<br />
941. YU, Stephen<br />
942. ZABALA, Mark Louie<br />
943. ZAFRA, Yolanda<br />
944. ZAMBRANO, Gino Antonio<br />
945. ZAMORAS-VIRTUDAZO, Luz<br />
946. ZAPANTA, Arthur Imanuel<br />
947. ZARAGOZA, Anicka Nicoli<br />
948. ZARENO, Jewelynn Gay<br />
949. ZERNA, Adelaine Faith</div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00059656089233637008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751870532072338926.post-90342263267093655582012-02-19T04:13:00.000-08:002012-02-20T00:45:18.242-08:00Valle Verde Country Club, Inc. vs. Africa, G.R. No. 151969, 598 SCRA 195 September 4, 2009<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2751870532072338926" name="_GoBack"></a><b><i>Valle Verde Country
Club, Inc. vs. Africa, </i></b><b>G.R.
No. 151969, 598 SCRA 195 September 4, 2009</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>VALLE VERDE COUNTRY CLUB, INC., ERNESTO VILLALUNA, RAY
GAMBOA, AMADO M. SANTIAGO, JR., FORTUNATO DEE, AUGUSTO SUNICO, VICTOR SALTA,
FRANCISCO ORTIGAS III, ERIC ROXAS, in their capacities as members of the Board
of Directors of Valle Verde Country Club, Inc., and JOSE RAMIREZ,</b> Petitioners,<br />
<b>vs.</b><br />
<b>VICTOR AFRICA,</b> Respondent.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">D E C I S I O N</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>BRION, <i>J.:</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">In
this petition for review on certiorari,<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2751870532072338926" name="rnt1"></a><a href="http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2009/sep2009/gr_151969_2009.html#fnt1"><sup><span style="color: blue;">1</span></sup></a> the parties raise a legal question
on corporate governance: Can the members of a corporation’s board of directors
elect another director to fill in a vacancy caused by the resignation of a
hold-over director?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><br /></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u>THE FACTUAL ANTECEDENTS</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">On
February 27, 1996, during the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of petitioner Valle
Verde Country Club, Inc. (VVCC), the following were elected as members of the
VVCC Board of Directors: Ernesto Villaluna, Jaime C. Dinglasan (Dinglasan),
Eduardo Makalintal (Makalintal), Francisco Ortigas III, Victor Salta, Amado M.
Santiago, Jr., Fortunato Dee, Augusto Sunico, and Ray Gamboa.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2751870532072338926" name="rnt2"></a><a href="http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2009/sep2009/gr_151969_2009.html#fnt2"><sup><span style="color: blue;">2</span></sup></a> In the years 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000,
and 2001, however, the requisite quorum for the holding of the stockholders’
meeting could not be obtained. Consequently, the above-named directors
continued to serve in the VVCC Board in a hold-over capacity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">On
September 1, 1998, Dinglasan resigned from his position as member of the VVCC
Board. In a meeting held on October 6, 1998, the remaining directors, still
constituting a quorum of VVCC’s nine-member board, elected Eric Roxas (Roxas)
to fill in the vacancy created by the resignation of Dinglasan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">A
year later, or on November 10, 1998, Makalintal also resigned as member of the
VVCC Board. He was replaced by Jose Ramirez (Ramirez), who was elected by the
remaining members of the VVCC Board on March 6, 2001.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Respondent
Africa (Africa), a member of VVCC, questioned the election of Roxas and Ramirez
as members of the VVCC Board with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
and the Regional Trial Court (RTC), respectively. The SEC case questioning the
validity of Roxas’ appointment was docketed as SEC Case No. 01-99-6177. The RTC
case questioning the validity of Ramirez’ appointment was docketed as Civil
Case No. 68726.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">In
his nullification complaint<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2751870532072338926" name="rnt3"></a><a href="http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2009/sep2009/gr_151969_2009.html#fnt3"><sup><span style="color: blue;">3</span></sup></a> before the RTC, Africa alleged that
the election of Roxas was contrary to Section 29, in relation to Section 23, of
the Corporation Code of the Philippines (Corporation Code). These provisions
read:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Sec. 23. <i>The board of directors or trustees.</i></b> - Unless otherwise provided in this Code, the
corporate powers of all corporations formed under this Code shall be exercised,
all business conducted and all property of such corporations controlled and
held by the board of directors or trustees to be elected from among the holders
of stocks, or where there is no stock, from among the members of the
corporation, who shall hold office for one (1) year until their successors are
elected and qualified.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">x
x x x</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Sec. 29. <i>Vacancies in the office of director or
trustee.</i></b> - Any vacancy
occurring in the board of directors or trustees other than by removal by the
stockholders or members or by expiration of term, may be filled by the vote of
at least a majority of the remaining directors or trustees, if still
constituting a quorum; otherwise, said vacancies must be filled by the
stockholders in a regular or special meeting called for that purpose. A
director or trustee so elected to fill a vacancy shall be elected only for the
unexpired term of his predecessor in office. xxx. [Emphasis supplied.]</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Africa
claimed that a year after Makalintal’s election as member of the VVCC Board in
1996, his [Makalintal’s] term – as well as those of the other members of the
VVCC Board – should be considered to have already expired. Thus, according to
Africa, the resulting vacancy should have been filled by the stockholders in a
regular or special meeting called for that purpose, and not by the remaining
members of the VVCC Board, as was done in this case.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Africa
additionally contends that for the members to exercise the authority to fill in
vacancies in the board of directors, Section 29 requires, among others, that
there should be an unexpired term during which the successor-member shall
serve. Since Makalintal’s term had already expired with the lapse of the
one-year term provided in Section 23, there is no more "unexpired
term" during which Ramirez could serve.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Through
a partial decision<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2751870532072338926" name="rnt4"></a><a href="http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2009/sep2009/gr_151969_2009.html#fnt4"><sup><span style="color: blue;">4</span></sup></a> promulgated on January 23, 2002, the
RTC ruled in favor of Africa and declared the election of Ramirez, as
Makalintal’s replacement, to the VVCC Board as null and void.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Incidentally,
the SEC issued a similar ruling on June 3, 2003, nullifying the election of Roxas
as member of the VVCC Board, vice hold-over director Dinglasan. While VVCC
manifested its intent to appeal from the SEC’s ruling, no petition was actually
filed with the Court of Appeals; thus, the appellate court considered the case
closed and terminated and the SEC’s ruling final and executory.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2751870532072338926" name="rnt5"></a><a href="http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2009/sep2009/gr_151969_2009.html#fnt5"><sup><span style="color: blue;">5</span></sup></a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u>THE PETITION</u></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">VVCC
now appeals to the Court to assail the RTC’s January 23, 2002 partial decision
for being contrary to law and jurisprudence. VVCC made a direct resort to the
Court <i>via</i> a petition for review on <i>certiorari,</i> claiming
that the sole issue in the present case involves a purely legal question.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">As
framed by VVCC, the issue for resolution is whether the remaining directors of
the corporation’s Board, still constituting a quorum, can elect another
director to fill in a vacancy caused by the resignation of a hold-over
director.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Citing
law and jurisprudence, VVCC posits that the power to fill in a vacancy created
by the resignation of a hold-over director is expressly granted to the
remaining members of the corporation’s board of directors.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Under
the above-quoted Section 29 of the Corporation Code, a vacancy occurring in the
board of directors caused by the expiration of a member’s term shall be filled
by the corporation’s stockholders. Correlating Section 29 with Section 23 of
the same law, VVCC alleges that <b>a member’s term shall be for one year <i>and</i> until
his successor is elected and qualified; </b>otherwise stated,<b> </b>a
member’s term expires only when his successor to the Board is elected and
qualified. Thus, "until such time as [a successor is] elected or qualified
in an annual election where a quorum is present," VVCC contends that
"the term of [a member] of the board of directors has yet not
expired."</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">As
the vacancy in this case was caused by Makalintal’s resignation, not by the
expiration of his term, VVCC insists that the board rightfully appointed
Ramirez to fill in the vacancy.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">In
support of its arguments, VVCC cites the Court’s ruling in the 1927 <i>El
Hogar</i><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2751870532072338926" name="rnt6"></a><a href="http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2009/sep2009/gr_151969_2009.html#fnt6"><sup><span style="color: blue;">6</span></sup></a> case which states:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Owing
to the failure of a quorum at most of the general meetings since the respondent
has been in existence, it has been the practice of the directors to fill in
vacancies in the directorate by choosing suitable persons from among the
stockholders. This custom finds its sanction in Article 71 of the By-Laws,
which reads as follows:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Art.
71. The directors shall elect from among the shareholders members to fill the
vacancies that may occur in the board of directors until the election at the
general meeting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">x
x x x</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Upon
failure of a quorum at any annual meeting the directorate naturally holds over
and continues to function until another directorate is chosen and qualified.
Unless the law or the charter of a corporation expressly provides that an
office shall become vacant at the expiration of the term of office for which
the officer was elected, the general rule is to allow the officer to hold over
until his successor is duly qualified. Mere failure of a corporation to elect
officers does not terminate the terms of existing officers nor dissolve the
corporation. The doctrine above stated finds expression in article 66 of the
by-laws of the respondent which declares in so many words that directors shall
hold office "for the term of one year or until their successors shall have
been elected and taken possession of their offices." xxx.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">It
results that <b>the practice of the directorate of filling vacancies by
the action of the directors themselves is valid.</b> Nor can any exception
be taken to the personality of the individuals chosen by the directors to fill
vacancies in the body. [Emphasis supplied.]</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Africa,
in opposing VVCC’s contentions, raises the same arguments that he did before
the trial court.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u>THE COURT’S RULING</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">We
are not persuaded by VVCC’s arguments and, thus, find its petition
unmeritorious.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">To
repeat, the issue for the Court to resolve is whether the remaining directors
of a corporation’s Board, still constituting a quorum, can elect another
director to fill in a vacancy caused by the resignation of a hold-over
director. The resolution of this legal issue is significantly hinged on the determination
of what constitutes a director’s term of office.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The
holdover period is not part of the term of office of a member of the board of
directors</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The
word "term" has acquired a definite meaning in jurisprudence. In
several cases, we have defined "term" as the time during which the
officer may claim to hold the office as of right, and fixes the interval after
which the several incumbents shall succeed one another.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2751870532072338926" name="rnt7"></a><a href="http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2009/sep2009/gr_151969_2009.html#fnt7"><sup><span style="color: blue;">7</span></sup></a> The term of office is not affected
by the holdover.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2751870532072338926" name="rnt8"></a><a href="http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2009/sep2009/gr_151969_2009.html#fnt8"><sup><span style="color: blue;">8</span></sup></a> The term is fixed by statute and it
does not change simply because the office may have become vacant, nor because
the incumbent holds over in office beyond the end of the term due to the fact
that a successor has not been elected and has failed to qualify.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Term
is distinguished from tenure in that an officer’s "tenure" represents
the term during which the incumbent actually holds office. The tenure may be
shorter (or, in case of holdover, longer) than the term for reasons within or
beyond the power of the incumbent.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Based
on the above discussion, when Section 23<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2751870532072338926" name="rnt9"></a><a href="http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2009/sep2009/gr_151969_2009.html#fnt9"><sup><span style="color: blue;">9</span></sup></a> of the Corporation Code declares
that "the board of directors…shall hold office for one (1) year until
their successors are elected and qualified," we construe the provision to
mean that the term of the members of the board of directors shall be only for
one year; their term expires one year after election to the office. The
holdover period – that time from the lapse of one year from a member’s election
to the Board and until his successor’s election and qualification – is not part
of the director’s original term of office, nor is it a new term; the holdover
period, however, constitutes part of his tenure. Corollary, when an incumbent
member of the board of directors continues to serve in a holdover capacity, it
implies that the office has a fixed term, which has expired, and the incumbent
is holding the succeeding term.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2751870532072338926" name="rnt10"></a><a href="http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2009/sep2009/gr_151969_2009.html#fnt10"><sup><span style="color: blue;">10</span></sup></a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">After
the lapse of one year from his election as member of the VVCC Board in 1996,
Makalintal’s term of office is deemed to have already expired. That he
continued to serve in the VVCC Board in a holdover capacity cannot be
considered as extending his term. To be precise, Makalintal’s term of office
began in 1996 and expired in 1997, but, by virtue of the holdover doctrine in
Section 23 of the Corporation Code, he continued to hold office until his
resignation on November 10, 1998. This holdover period, however, is not to be
considered as part of his term, which, as declared, had already expired.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">With
the expiration of Makalintal’s term of office, a vacancy resulted which, by the
terms of Section 29<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2751870532072338926" name="rnt11"></a><a href="http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2009/sep2009/gr_151969_2009.html#fnt11"><sup><span style="color: blue;">11</span></sup></a> of the Corporation Code, must be
filled by the stockholders of VVCC in a regular or special meeting called for
the purpose. To assume – as VVCC does – that the vacancy is caused by
Makalintal’s resignation in 1998, not by the expiration of his term in 1997, is
both illogical and unreasonable. His resignation as a holdover director did not
change the nature of the vacancy; the vacancy due to the expiration of
Makalintal’s term had been created long before his resignation.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The
powers of the corporation’s board of directors emanate from its stockholders VVCC’s
construction of Section 29 of the Corporation Code on the authority to fill up
vacancies in the board of directors, in relation to Section 23 thereof,
effectively weakens the stockholders’ power to participate in the corporate
governance by electing their representatives to the board of directors. The
board of directors is the directing and controlling body of the corporation. It
is a creation of the stockholders and derives its power to control and direct
the affairs of the corporation from them. The board of directors, in drawing to
themselves the powers of the corporation, occupies a position of trusteeship in
relation to the stockholders, in the sense that the board should exercise not
only care and diligence, but utmost good faith in the management of corporate
affairs.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2751870532072338926" name="rnt12"></a><a href="http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2009/sep2009/gr_151969_2009.html#fnt12"><sup><span style="color: blue;">12</span></sup></a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The
underlying policy of the Corporation Code is that the business and affairs of a
corporation must be governed by a board of directors whose members have stood
for election, and who have actually been elected by the stockholders, on an
annual basis. Only in that way can the directors' continued accountability to
shareholders, and the legitimacy of their decisions that bind the corporation's
stockholders, be assured. The shareholder vote is critical to the theory that
legitimizes the exercise of power by the directors or officers over properties
that they do not own.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2751870532072338926" name="rnt13"></a><a href="http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2009/sep2009/gr_151969_2009.html#fnt13"><sup><span style="color: blue;">13</span></sup></a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This
theory of delegated power of the board of directors similarly explains why,
under Section 29 of the Corporation Code, in cases where the vacancy in the
corporation’s board of directors is caused not by the expiration of a member’s
term, the successor "so elected to fill in a vacancy shall be elected only
for the unexpired term of the his predecessor in office." The law has
authorized the remaining members of the board to fill in a vacancy only in
specified instances, so as not to retard or impair the corporation’s
operations; yet, in recognition of the stockholders’ right to elect the members
of the board, it limited the period during which the successor shall serve only
to the "<i>unexpired term</i> of his predecessor in office."</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">While
the Court in El Hogar approved of the practice of the directors to fill
vacancies in the directorate, we point out that this ruling was made before the
present Corporation Code was enacted<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2751870532072338926" name="rnt14"></a><a href="http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2009/sep2009/gr_151969_2009.html#fnt14"><sup><span style="color: blue;">14</span></sup></a> and before its Section 29 limited
the instances when the remaining directors can fill in vacancies in the board,
i.e., when the remaining directors still constitute a quorum and when the
vacancy is caused for reasons other than by removal by the stockholders or by
expiration of the term.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">It
also bears noting that the vacancy referred to in Section 29 contemplates a
vacancy occurring within the director’s term of office. When a vacancy is
created by the expiration of a term, logically, there is no more unexpired term
to speak of. Hence, Section 29 declares that it shall be the corporation’s
stockholders who shall possess the authority to fill in a vacancy caused by the
expiration of a member’s term.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">As
correctly pointed out by the RTC, when remaining members of the VVCC Board elected
Ramirez to replace Makalintal, there was no more unexpired term to speak of, as
Makalintal’s one-year term had already expired. Pursuant to law, the authority
to fill in the vacancy caused by Makalintal’s leaving lies with the VVCC’s
stockholders, not the remaining members of its board of directors.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>WHEREFORE</b>,
we DENY the petitioners’ petition for review on certiorari, and AFFIRM the
partial decision of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 152, Manila, promulgated
on January 23, 2002, in Civil Case No. 68726. Costs against the petitioners.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">SO
ORDERED.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>ARTURO D. BRION</b><br />
Associate Justice</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>WE CONCUR:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>LEONARDO A. QUISUMBING</b><br />
Associate Justice<br />
Chairperson</span></div>
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; width: 90%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 0.75pt; width: 50%;" width="50%"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>CONCHITA
CARPIO MORALES</b><br />
Associate Justice</span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: 0.75pt; width: 50%;" width="50%"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>MARIANO
C. DEL CASTILLO</b><br />
Associate Justice</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>ROBERTO A. ABAD</b><br />
Associate Justice</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">A T T E S T A T I O N</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I attest that the conclusions in the above Decision had been
reached in consultation before the case was assigned to the writer of the
opinion of the Court’s Division.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>LEONARDO A. QUISUMBING</b><br />
Associate Justice<br />
Chairperson</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">C E R T I F I C A T I O N</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Pursuant
to Section 13, Article VIII of the Constitution, and the Division Chairperson’s
Attestation, it is hereby certified that the conclusions in the above Decision were
reached in consultation before the case was assigned to the writer of the
opinion of the Court’s Division.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>REYNATO S. PUNO</b><br />
Chief Justice</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
<br />
<br />
</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Footnotes</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2751870532072338926" name="fnt1"></a><a href="http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2009/sep2009/gr_151969_2009.html#rnt1"><sup><span style="color: blue;">1</span></sup></a> Filed under Rule 45 of the Rules of
Court; rollo, pp. 11-23.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2751870532072338926" name="fnt2"></a><a href="http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2009/sep2009/gr_151969_2009.html#rnt2"><sup><span style="color: blue;">2</span></sup></a> Also co-petitioners of VVCC in the
present petition.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2751870532072338926" name="fnt3"></a><a href="http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2009/sep2009/gr_151969_2009.html#rnt3"><sup><span style="color: blue;">3</span></sup></a> Africa’s complaint before the RTC
was denominated as "Nullification of the ‘Election’ of a ‘New
Regular/Hold-Over (?) Director’ and Damages"; rollo, pp. 31-46.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2751870532072338926" name="fnt4"></a><a href="http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2009/sep2009/gr_151969_2009.html#rnt4"><sup><span style="color: blue;">4</span></sup></a> Id., pp. 28-30.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2751870532072338926" name="fnt5"></a><a href="http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2009/sep2009/gr_151969_2009.html#rnt5"><sup><span style="color: blue;">5</span></sup></a> CA Resolution dated August 27, 2003;
id., p. 124.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2751870532072338926" name="fnt6"></a><a href="http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2009/sep2009/gr_151969_2009.html#rnt6"><sup><span style="color: blue;">6</span></sup></a> <i>Government of the Philippine
Islands v. El Hogar Filipino, </i>50 Phil. 399 (1927).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2751870532072338926" name="fnt7"></a><a href="http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2009/sep2009/gr_151969_2009.html#rnt7"><sup><span style="color: blue;">7</span></sup></a> See Topacio Nueno v. Angeles, 76
Phil. 12, 21-22 (1946); Alba v. Evangelista, 100 Phil. 683, 694 (1957); Paredes
v. Abad, 155 Phil. 494 (1974); Aparri v. Court of Appeals, No. L-30057, January
31, 1984, 127 SCRA 231.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2751870532072338926" name="fnt8"></a><a href="http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2009/sep2009/gr_151969_2009.html#rnt8"><sup><span style="color: blue;">8</span></sup></a> Gaminde v. Commission on Audit, G.R.
No. 140335, December 13, 2000, 347 SCRA 655.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2751870532072338926" name="fnt9"></a><a href="http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2009/sep2009/gr_151969_2009.html#rnt9"><sup><span style="color: blue;">9</span></sup></a> The full text of which reads:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Sec. 23. <i>The board of directors or trustees.</i></b> - Unless otherwise provided in this Code, the corporate
powers of all corporations formed under this Code shall be exercised, all
business conducted and all property of such corporations controlled and held by
the board of directors or trustees to be elected from among the holders of
stocks, or where there is no stock, from among the members of the corporation,
who shall hold office for one (1) year until their successors are elected and
qualified.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Every
director must own at least one (1) share of the capital stock of the
corporation of which he is a director, which share shall stand in his name on
the books of the corporation. Any director who ceases to be the owner of at
least one (1) share of the capital stock of the corporation of which he is a
director shall thereby cease to be a director. Trustees of non-stock
corporations must be members thereof. A majority of the directors or trustees
of all corporations organized under this Code must be residents of the
Philippines.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2751870532072338926" name="fnt10"></a><a href="http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2009/sep2009/gr_151969_2009.html#rnt10"><sup><span style="color: blue;">10</span></sup></a> Words & Phrases, Vol. 19, p.
576.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2751870532072338926" name="fnt11"></a><a href="http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2009/sep2009/gr_151969_2009.html#rnt11"><sup><span style="color: blue;">11</span></sup></a> The full text of which reads:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Sec. 29. <i>Vacancies in the office of director or
trustee.</i></b> - Any vacancy
occurring in the board of directors or trustees other than by removal by the
stockholders or members or by expiration of term, may be filled by the vote of
at least a majority of the remaining directors or trustees, if still
constituting a quorum; otherwise, said vacancies must be filled by the
stockholders in a regular or special meeting called for that purpose. A
director or trustee so elected to fill a vacancy shall be elected only or the
unexpired term of his predecessor in office.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">A
directorship or trusteeship to be filled by reason of an increase in the number
of directors or trustees shall be filled only by an election at a regular or at
a special meeting of stockholders or members duly called for the purpose, or in
the same meeting authorizing the increase of directors or trustees if so stated
in the notice of the meeting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2751870532072338926" name="fnt12"></a><a href="http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2009/sep2009/gr_151969_2009.html#rnt12"><sup><span style="color: blue;">12</span></sup></a> Legarda v. La Previsora Filipina,
66 Phil. 173 (1938), citing Angeles v. Santos, 64 Phil. 697 (1937).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2751870532072338926" name="fnt13"></a><a href="http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2009/sep2009/gr_151969_2009.html#rnt13"><sup><span style="color: blue;">13</span></sup></a> Comac Partners, L.P., et al., v.
Ghaznavi, et al., Del. Ch., 793 A.2d 372 (2001), citing Bentas v. Haseotes,
Del. Ch., 769 A.2d 70, 76 (2000) and Blasius Indus., Inc. v. Atlas Corp., Del.
Ch., 564 A.2d 651, 659 (1988).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2751870532072338926" name="fnt14"></a><a href="http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2009/sep2009/gr_151969_2009.html#rnt14"><sup><span style="color: blue;">14</span></sup></a> The Corporation Code or <i>Batas
Pambansa Blg</i>. 68 was enacted on May 1, 1980.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00059656089233637008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751870532072338926.post-17856381503271887122012-02-19T04:03:00.000-08:002012-02-20T00:50:16.526-08:00Vasquez vs. Court of Appeals, 314 SCRA 460, G.R. No. 118971 September 15, 1999<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Vasquez vs. Court of Appeals, 314 SCRA 460, G.R. No. 118971 September 15, 1999</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Republic of the Philippines<br />
<b>SUPREME COURT</b><br />
Manila</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">EN BANC</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">G.R. No. 118971 September 15, 1999</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">RODOLFO R. VASQUEZ, </span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">petitioner, <br />
vs.<br />
<b>COURT OF APPEALS, THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF MANILA BRANCH 40, and THE
PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, </b>respondents.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">MENDOZA, <i>J.:</i></span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The question for
determination in this case is the liability for libel of a citizen who
denounces a barangay official for misconduct in office. The Regional Trial
Court of Manila, Branch 40, found petitioner guilty and fined him P1,000.00 on
the ground that petitioner failed to prove the truth of the charges and that he
was "motivated by vengeance in uttering the defamatory statement." On
appeal, the Court of Appeals, in a decision <b><sup>1</sup></b> dated February
1, 1995, affirmed. Hence, this petition for review. The decision appealed from
should be reversed.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The facts are not
in dispute. Petitioner Rodolfo R. Vasquez is a resident of the Tondo Foreshore
Area. Sometime in April 1986, he and some 37 families from the area went to see
then National Housing Authority (NHA) General Manager Lito Atienza regarding
their complaint against their Barangay Chairman, Jaime Olmedo. After their
meeting with Atienza and other NHA officials, petitioner and his companions
were met and interviewed by newspaper reporters at the NHA compound concerning
their complaint. The next day, April 22, 1986, the following news article <b><sup>2</sup></b>
appeared in the newspaper <i>Ang Tinig ng Masa</i>:</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Nananawagan
kahapon kay pangulong Corazon Aquino ang 38 mahihirap na pamilya sa Tondo
Foreshore Area na umano'y inagawan ng lupa ng kanilang barangay chairman sa
pakikipagsabwatan sa ilang pinuno ng National Housing Authority sapul 1980.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Sinabi
nila na nakipagsabwatan umano si Chairman Jaime Olmedo ng barangay 66, Zone 6,
Tondo Foreshore Area, sa mga project manager ng NHA upang makamkam ang may 14
na lote ng lupa sa naturang lugar.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Binanggit
ni Rodolfo R. Vasquez, 40, Tagapagsalita ng (mga) pamilyang apektado, na
umaabot lang sa 487.87 metro kuwadrado ang kabuuan ng mga lupa na kinatitirikan
ng mga barung-barung ng 38 pamilya.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">"Naninirahan
na kami sa mga lupang nabanggit sapul 1950 at pinatunayan sa mga survey ng NHA
noong nakalipas na taon na may karapatan kami sa mga lupang ito ng
pamahalaan," ani Vasquez.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">"Pawang
lupa ng gobyerno ang mga lupa at ilegal man na patituluhan, nagawa ito ni
Olmedo sa pakikipagsabwatan sa mga project manager at legal officers ng
NHA," sabi ni Vasquez.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Sinabi
rin ng mga pamilya na protektado ng dating pinuno ng city hall ng Maynila, MHS
Minister Conrado Benitez, at ilang pinuno ng pulisya ang barangay chairman kaya
"nakalusot" ang mga ginawa nitong katiwalian.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Bukod
sa pagkamkam ng mga lupaing gobyerno, kasangkot din umano si Olmedo sa mga
ilegal na pasugalan sa naturang lugar at maging sa mga nakawan ng manok.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">"Sapin-sapin
na ang mga kaso na idinulog namin noong nakalipas na mga taon, pero pinawalang
saysay ang lahat ng iyon, kabilang na ang tangkang pagpatay sa akin kaugnay ng
pagrereklamo sa pangangamkam ng lupa noong 1984," sabi pa ni Vasquez.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Based on the
newspaper article, Olmedo filed a complaint for libel against petitioner
alleging that the latter's statements cast aspersions on him and damaged his
reputation. After conducting preliminary investigation, the city prosecutor
filed the following information in the Regional Trial Court of Manila, Branch
40:</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The
undersigned accuses RODOLFO R. VASQUEZ of the crime of libel committed as
follows:</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">That
on or about April 22, 1986, in the city of Manila, Philippines, the said
accused, with malicious intent of impeaching the reputation and character of
one Jaime Olmedo, chairman of Barangay 66, Zone 6 in Tondo, Manila, and with
evident intent of exposing him to public hatred, contempt, ridicule, did then
and there willfully, unlawfully, feloniously and maliciously caused the
publication of an article entitled "38 Pamilya Inagawan ng Lupa" in <i>Ang
Tinig ng Masa</i>, a daily newspaper sold to the public and of general
circulation in the Philippines in its April 22, 1986 issue, which portion of
the said article reads as follows:</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Nananawagan
kahapon kay pangulong Corazon Aquino ang 38 mahihirap na pamilya sa Tondo
Foreshore Area na umano'y inagawan ng lupa ng kanilang barangay chairman sa
pakikipagsabwatan sa ilang pinuno ng National Housing Authority sapul 1980.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Sinabi
nila na nakipagsabwatan umano si Chairman Jaime Olmedo ng barangay 66, Zone 6,
Tondo Foreshore Area sa mga project manager ng NHA upang makamkam ang may 14 na
lote ng lupa sa naturang lugar.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">.
. . "Pawang lupa ng gobyerno ang mga lupa at ilegal man na patituluhan,
nagawa ito ni Olmedo sa pakikipagsabwatan sa mga project manager at legal
officers ng NHA," sabi ni Vasquez.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Sinabi
rin ng mga pamilya na protektado ng dating pinuno ng city hall ng Maynila, MHS
Minister Conrado Benitez, at ilang pinuno ng pulisya ang barangay chairman kaya
"nakalusot" ang mga ginawa nitong katiwalian.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Bukod
sa pagkamkam ng mga lupaing gobyerno, kasangkot din umano si Olmedo sa mga
ilegal na pasugalan sa naturang lugar at maging sa mga nakawan ng manok. . . .</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">with
which statements, the said accused meant and intended to convey, as in fact he
did mean and convey false and malicious imputations that said Jaime Olmedo is
engaged in landgrabbing and involved in illegal gambling and stealing of
chickens at the Tondo Foreshore Area, Tondo, Manila, which statements, as he
well knew, were entirely false and malicious, offensive and derogatory to the
good name, character and reputation of said Jaime Olmedo, thereby tending to
impeach besmirch and destroy the honor, character and reputation of Jaime
Olmedo, as in fact, the latter was exposed to dishonor, discredit, public
hatred, contempt and ridicule.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Contrary
to law.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Upon being
arraigned, petitioner entered a plea of not guilty, whereupon the case was
tried. The prosecution presented Barangay Chairman Olmedo and his neighbor,
Florentina Calayag, as witnesses. On the other hand, the defense presented
Ciriaco Cabuhat, Nicasio Agustin, Estrelita Felix, Fernando Rodriguez — all
residents of the Tondo Foreshore Area — and petitioner as its witnesses.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">On May 28, 1992,
the trail court rendered judgment finding petitioner guilty of libel and
sentencing him to pay a fine of P1,000.00. On appeal, the Court of Appeals
affirmed <i>in</i> <i>toto</i>. Hence, this petition for review. Petitioner
contends that —</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I.
THE COURT OF APPEALS ERRED IN AFFIRMING THE DECISION OF THE TRIAL COURT
PINPOINTING PETITIONER AS THE SOURCE OF THE ALLEGED LIBELOUS ARTICLE.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">II.
THE COURT OF APPEALS ERRED IN AFFIRMING THE DECISION OF THE TRIAL COURT THAT
PETITIONER IMPUTED THE QUESTIONED ACTS TO COMPLAINANT.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">III.
THE COURT OF APPEALS ERRED IN AFFIRMING THE DECISION OF THE TRIAL COURT THAT
THE ALLEGED IMPUTATIONS WERE MADE MALICIOUSLY.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">IV.
THE COURT OF APPEALS ERRED IN AFFIRMING THE DECISION OF THE TRIAL COURT WHICH
FAILED TO APPRECIATE PETITIONER'S DEFENSE OF TRUTH.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">V.
THE COURT OF APPEALS ERRED IN AFFIRMING THE DECISION OF THE TRIAL COURT THAT
ALL THE ELEMENTS OF LIBEL WERE PROVEN.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">We will deal with
these contentions in the order in which they are made.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">First</span></i></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">. Petitioner claims he was
"unfairly singled out" as the source of the statements in the article
when any members of the 38 complainant-families could have been the source of
the alleged libelous statements. <b><sup>3</sup></b> The reference is to the
following portion of the decision of the Court of Appeals:</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">.
. . In his sworn statement; appellant admitted he was the source of the
libelous article (Exh. "B"). He affirmed this fact when he testified
in open court as follows: That his allegation on the act of landgrabbing by Olmedo
was based on the alleged report and pronouncements of the NHA representatives
(p. 5, tsn, Oct. 18, 1998); the said allegations were made by him before the
local press people in the pursuit of fairness and truthfulness and not in bad
faith (pp. 8-9, <i>id</i>.); that the only inaccurate account in the published
article of "Ang Tinig ng Masa" is the reference to the 487.87 sq.m.
lot, on which Olmendo's residence now stands, attributed by the reporter as the
lot currently occupied by the appellants and his fellow complainants (pp. 4-5,
tsn, Nov. 15, 1989; pp. 4-5, tsn, January 15, 1990); and that after the
interview, he never expected that his statements would be the cause of the
much-publicized libelous article (pp. 4-6, tsn, Nov. 15, 1989). <b><sup>4</sup></b></span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">It is true petitioner
did not directly admit that he was the source of the statements in the
questioned article. What he said in his own sworn statement <b><sup>5</sup></b>
was that the contents of the article are true in almost all respects, thus:</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">9.
Tama and nakalathala sa pahayagang "Ang Masa" maliban na lang sa
tinukoy na ako at ang mga kasamahang maralitang taga-lungsod ay nakitira sa
humugit kumulang 487.87 square meters sapagkat ang nabanggit na 487.87 square
meters ay siyang kinatitirikan ng bahay ni Barangay Chairman Olmedo kung saan
nakaloob ang anim na lote — isang paglabag sa batas o regulasyon ng NHA;</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">10.
Ang ginawa kong pahayag na nailathala sa "Ang Masa" ay sanhi ng aking
nais na maging mabuting mamamayan at upang maituwid ang mga katiwaliang
nagaganap sa Tondo Foreshore Area kung saan ako at sampu ng aking mga kasamang
maralitang taga-lungsod ay apektado at naapi.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">This
was likewise what he stated in his testimony in court both on the direct <b><sup>6</sup></b>
and on cross-examination. <b><sup>7</sup></b> However, by claiming that what he
had told the reporter was made by him in the performance of a civic duty,
petitioner in effect admitted authorship of the article and not only of the
statements attributed to him therein, to wit:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">"Pawang
lupa ng gobyerno ang mga lupa at ilegal man na patituluhan, nagawa ito ni Olmedo
sa pakikipagsabwatan sa mga project manager at legal officers ng NHA,"
sabi ni Vasquez.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">xxx
xxx xxx</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">"Sapin-sapin
na ang mga kaso na idinulog namin noong nakalipas na mga taon, pero pinawalang
saysay ang lahat ng iyon, kabilang na ang tangkang pagpatay sa akin kaugnay ng
pagrereklamo sa pangangamkam ng lupa noong 1984," sabi pa ni Vasquez.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Petitioner cannot
claim to have been the source of only a few statements in the article in
question and point to the other parties as the source of the rest, when he admits
that he was correctly identified as the spokesperson of the families during the
interview.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Second</span></i></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">. Petitioner points out that the
information did not set out the entire news article as published. In fact, the
second statement attributed to petitioner was not included in the information.
But, while the general rule is that the information must set out the particular
defamatory words verbatim and as published and that a statement of their
substance is insufficient, <b><sup>8</sup></b> a defect in this regard may be
cured by evidence. <b><sup>9</sup></b> In this case, the article was presented
in evidence, but petitioner failed to object to its introduction. Instead, he
engaged in the trial of the entire article, not only of the portions quoted in
the information, and sought to prove it to be true. In doing so, he waived
objection based on the defect in the information. Consequently, he cannot raise
this issue at this late stage. <b><sup>10</sup></b></span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Third</span></i></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">. On the main issue whether petitioner
is guilty of libel, petitioner contends that what he said was true and was made
with good motives and for justifiable ends.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">To find a person
guilty of libel under Art. 353 of the Revised Penal Code, the following
elements must be proved: (a) the allegation of a discreditable act or condition
concerning another; (b) publication of the charge (c) identity of the person
defamed; and (d) existence of malice. <b><sup>11</sup></b></span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">An allegation is
considered defamatory if it ascribes to a person the commission of a crime, the
possession of a vice or defect, real or imaginary, or any act, omission,
condition, status or circumstances which tends to dishonor or discredit or put
him in contempt, or which tends to blacken the memory of one who is dead. <b><sup>12</sup></b></span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">There is
publication if the material is communicated to a third person. <b><sup>13</sup></b>
It is not required that the person defamed has read or heard about the libelous
remark. What is material is that a third person has read or heard the libelous
statement, for "a man's reputation is the estimate in which others hold
him in, not the good opinion which he has of himself." <b><sup>14</sup></b></span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">On the other hand,
to satisfy the element of identifiability, it must be shown that at least a
third person or a stranger was able to identify him as the object of the
defamatory statement. <b><sup>15</sup></b></span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Finally</span></i></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">, malice or ill will must be present.
Art. 354 of the Revised Penal Code provides:</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Every
defamatory imputation is presumed to be malicious, even if it be true, if no
good intention and justifiable motive for making it is shown, except in the
following cases:</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">1.
A private communication made by any person to another in the performance of any
legal, moral or security duty; and</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">2.
A fair and true report, made in good faith, without any comments or remarks, of
any judicial, legislative or other official proceedings which are not of
confidential nature, or of any statement, report or speech delivered in said
proceedings, or of any other act performed by public officers in the exercise
of their functions.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">In this case,
there is no doubt that the first three elements are present. The statements
that Olmedo, through connivance with NHA officials, was able to obtain title to
several lots in the area and that he was involved in a number of illegal
activities (attempted murder, gambling and theft of fighting cocks) were
clearly defamatory. There is no merit in his contention that
"landgrabbing," as charged in the information, has a technical
meaning in law. <b><sup>16</sup></b> Such act is so alleged and proven in this
case in the popular sense in which it is understood by ordinary people. As held
in <i>United States v</i>. <i>Sotto</i>: <b><sup>17</sup></b></span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">.
. . [F]or the purpose of determining the meaning of any publication alleged to
be libelous "that construction must be adopted which will give to the
matter such a meaning as is natural and obvious in the plain and ordinary sense
in which the public would naturally understand what was uttered. The published
matter alleged to be libelous must be construed as a whole. In applying these
rules to the language of an alleged libel, the court will disregard any subtle
or ingenious explanation offered by the publisher on being called to account.
The whole question being the effect the publication had upon the minds of the
readers, and they not having been assisted by the offered explanation in
reading the article, it comes too he to have the effect of removing the sting,
if any there be, from the words used in the publication.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Nor is there any
doubt that the defamatory remarks referred to complainant and were published.
Petitioner caused the publication of the defamatory remarks when he made the
statements to the reporters who interviewed him. <b><sup>18</sup></b></span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The question is
whether from the fact that the statements were defamatory, malice can be
presumed so that it was incumbent upon petitioner to overcome such presumption.
Under Art. 361 of the Revised Penal Code, if the defamatory statements is made
against a public official with respect to the discharge of his official duties
and functions and the truth of the allegation is shown, the accused will be
entitled to an acquittal even though he does not prove that the imputation was
published with good motives and for justifiable ends. <b><sup>19</sup></b></span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">In this case,
contrary to the findings of the trial court, on which the Court of Appeals
relied, petitioner was able to prove the truth of his charges against the
barangay official. His allegation that, through connivance with NHA officials,
complainant was able to obtain title to several lots at the Tondo Foreshore
Area was based on the letter <b><sup>20</sup></b> of NHA Inspector General
Hermogenes Fernandez to petitioner's counsel which reads:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 7in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">09
August 1983</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Atty.
Rene V. Sarmiento</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Free
Legal Assistance Group (FLAG)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">55
Third Street</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">New
Manila, Quezon City</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Dear
Atty. Sarmiento:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">In
connection with your request, that you be furnished with a copy of the results
of the investigation regarding the complaints of some Tondo residents against
Chairman Jaime Olmedo, we are providing you a summary of the findings based on
the investigation conducted by our Office which are as follows:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">1.
Based on the subdivision plan of Block 260, SB 8, Area III, Jaime Olmedo's
present structure is constructed on six lots which were awarded before by the
defunct Land Tenure Administration to different persons as follows:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Lot
4 — Juana Buenaventura — 79.76 sq. m.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Lot
6 — Servando Simbulan — 48.50 sq. m.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Lot
7 — Alfredo Vasquez — 78.07 sq. m.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Lot
8 — Martin Gallardo — 78.13 sq. m.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Lot
9 — Daniel Bayan — 70.87 sq. m.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Lot
1 — Fortunato de Jesus — 85.08 sq. m. (OIT No. 7800)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The
above-mentioned lots were not yet titled, except for Lot 1. Fortunato de Jesus
sold the said lot to a certain Jovita Bercasi, a sister-in-law of Jaime Olmedo.
The other remaining lots were either sold to Mr. Olmedo and/or to his immediate
relatives.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Lot
14 is also titled in the name of Mariano Bercasi, father-in-law of Jaime
Olmedo, with an area of 47.40 sq. m.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The
lot assigned to Chairman Olmedo has a total area of 487.87 sq. m.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">2.
<i>Block 261</i>, <i>SB 8</i>, <i>Area III</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Lot
No. 7 is titled in the name of Jaime Olmedo, consisting an area of 151.67 sq.,
m. A four-door apartment owned by Mr. Olmedo is being rented to uncensused
residents.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">3.
<i>Block 262</i>, <i>SB 8</i>, <i>Area III</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Lot
No. 13 is allocated to Delfin Olmedo, nephew of Jaime Olmedo, but this lot is
not yet titled.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">4.
<i>Block 256</i>, <i>SB 5</i>, <i>Area III</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Victoria
Olmedo, uncensused, is a daughter of Jaime Olmedo. Her structure is erected on
a non-titled lot. The adjacent lot is titled in the name of Victoria. It was
issued OCT No. 10217 with an area of 202.23 sq. m. Inside this compound is
another structure owned and occupied by Amelia Dofredo, a censused houseowner.
The titled lot of Victoria now has an area of 338.20 sq. m.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">For
your information.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">(s/t)
HERMOGENES C. FERNANDEZ</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Inspector
General</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Public
Assistance & Action Office</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">In
addition, petitioner acted on the basis of two memoranda, <b><sup>21</sup></b>
both dated November 29, 1983, of then NHA General Manager Gaudencio Tobias
recommending the filing of administrative charges against the NHA officials
"responsible for the alleged irregular consolidation of lots [in Tondo to
Jaime and Victoria Olmedo.]"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">With regard to the
other imputations made by petitioner against complainant, it must be noted that
what petitioner stated was that various charges (for attempted murder against
petitioner, gambling, theft of fighting cocks) had been filed by the residents
against their barangay chairman but these had all been dismissed. Petitioner
was able to show that Olmedo's involvement in the theft of fighting cocks was
the subject of an affidavit-complaint, <b><sup>22</sup></b> dated October 19,
1983, signed by Fernando Rodriguez and Ben Lareza, former barangay tanods of
Barangay 66, Zone 6, Tondo. Likewise, petitioner presented a resolution, <b><sup>23</sup></b>
dated March 10, 1988, of the Office of the Special Prosecutor in TBP-87-03694,
stating that charges of malversation and corrupt practices had been filed
against Olmedo and nine (9) other barangay officials but the same were
dismissed. Indeed, the prosecution's own evidence bears out petitioner's statements.
The prosecution presented the resolution <b><sup>24</sup></b> in TBP Case No.
84-01854 dismissing the charge of attempted murder filed by petitioner against
Jaime Olmedo and his son-in-law, Jaime Reyes. The allegation concerning this
matter is thus true.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">It was error for
the trial court to hold that petitioner "only tried to prove that the
complainant [barangay chairman] is guilty of the crimes alluded to; accused,
however, has not proven that the complainant committed the crimes." For
that is not what petitioner said as reported in the<i> Ang Tinig ng Masa</i>.
The fact that charges had been filed against the barangay official, not the
truth of such charges, was the issue.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">In denouncing the
barangay chairman in this case, petitioner and the other residents of the Tondo
Foreshore Area were not only acting in their self-interest but engaging in the
performance of a civic duty to see to it that public duty is discharged
faithfully and well by those on whom such duty is incumbent. The recognition of
this right and duty of every citizen in a democracy is inconsistent with any
requirement placing on him the burden of proving that he acted with good
motives and for justifiable ends.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">For that matter,
even if the defamatory statement is false, no liability can attach if it
relates to official conduct, unless the public official concerned proves that
the statements was made with actual malice — that is, with knowledge that it
was false or with reckless disregard of whether it was false or not. This is
the gist of the ruling in the landmark case of <i> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;"><i>New York Times v</i>. <i>Sullivan</i>,
<b><sup>25</sup></b> which this Court has cited with approval in several of its
own decision. <b><sup>26</sup></b> This is the rule of "actual
malice." In this case, the prosecution failed to prove not only that the
charges made by petitioner were false but also that petitioner made them with
knowledge of their falsity or with reckless disregard of whether they were
false or not.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">A rule placing on
the accused the burden of showing the truth of allegations of official
misconduct and/or good motives and justifiable ends for making such allegations
would not only be contrary to Art. 361 of the Revised Penal Code. It would,
above all, infringe on the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression.
Such a rule would deter citizens from performing their duties as members of a
self-governing community. Without free speech and assembly, discussions of our
most abiding concerns as a nation would be stifled. As Justice Brandeis has
said, "public discussion is a political duty" and the "greatest
menace to freedom is an inert people." <b><sup>27</sup></b></span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Complainant
contends that petitioner was actuated by vengeful political motive rather than
by his firm conviction that he and his fellow residents had been deprived of a
property right because of acts attributable to their barangay chairman. The
Court of Appeals, sustaining complainant's contention, held:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">That
the said imputations were malicious may be inferred from the facts that
appellant and complainant are enemies, hence, accused was motivated by
vengeance in uttering said defamatory statements and that accused is a leader
of Ciriaco Cabuhat who was defeated by complainant when they ran for the
position of barangay captain. . . . <b><sup>28</sup></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">As
already stated, however, in accordance with Art. 361, if the defamatory matter
either constitutes a crime or concerns the performance of official duties, and
the accused proves the truth of his charge, he should be acquitted. <b><sup>29</sup></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Instead of the
claim that petitioner was politically motivated in making the charges against
complainant, it would appear that complainant filed this case to harass
petitioner. Art. 360 of the Revised Penal Code provides:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Persons
responsible</span></i></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">. — Any person who
shall publish, exhibit, or cause the publication or exhibition of any
defamation in writing or by similar means, shall be responsible for the same.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The
author or editor of a book or pamphlet, or the editor or business manager of a
daily newspaper, magazine or serial publication, shall be responsible for the
defamation's contained therein to the same extent as if he were the author
thereof. . . .</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Yet,
in this case, neither the reporter, editor, nor the publisher of the newspaper
was charged in court. What was said in an analogous case <b><sup>30</sup></b>
may be applied <i>mutatis mutandis</i> to the case at bar:</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">It
is curious that the ones most obviously responsible for the publication of the
allegedly offensive news report, namely, the editorial staff and the periodical
itself, were not at all impleaded. The charge was leveled against the
petitioner and, "curiouser" still, his clients who have nothing to do
with the editorial policies of the newspaper. There is here a manifest effort
to persecute and intimidate the petitioner for his temerity in accusing the
ASAC agents who apparently enjoyed special privileges — and perhaps also
immunities — during those oppressive times. The non-inclusion of the
periodicals was a transparent hypocrisy, an ostensibly pious if not at all
convincing pretense of respect for freedom of expression that was in fact one
of the most desecrated liberties during the past despotism. <b><sup>31</sup></b></span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">WHEREFORE, the
decision of the Court of Appeals is REVERSED and the petitioner is ACQUITTED of
the crime charged.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">SO ORDERED.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Davide, Jr., C.J.,
Bellosillo, Melo, Puno, Vitug, Kapunan, Panganiban Quisumbing, Purisima, Pardo,
Buena, Gonzaga-Reyes and Ynares-Santiago, JJ., concur.</span></i></span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Footnotes</span></b></span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">1 Per Associate
Justice Celia Lipana-Reyes and concurred in by Associate Justices Asaali S.
Isnani and Corona Ibay-Somera.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">2 Exh. A-1,
Records, p. 77.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">3 Petition, pp.
9-12; <i>Rollo</i>, pp. 17-20.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">4 CA Decision, p.
4; <i>Id</i>., p. 47.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">5 Exh. B; Records,
p. 79. (Emphasis added)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">6 TSN, pp. 9-4,
Nov. 15, 1989.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">ATTY.
VIRGILIO OCAYA — Mr. Vasquez, you are charged with having [made] a statement
that was reflected in the Pahayagang [Ang] Masa. Where was this alleged
statement taken?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">A
— What I remember, sir, the reporter got the statement from the National Housing
Authority, and we were many at that time that were being interviewed by the
reporters, sir.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">xxx
xxx xxx</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Q
— Is that [report] reflected in the Pahayagang [Ang] Masa an accurate report in
all aspects?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">A
— There are some which are correct and some which are wrong; sir.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Q
— Which are those which are not correct?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">A
— Regarding the statement that I was one of those whose residence and lot is
area is around more than 400 sq. meters, sir.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">7 TSN, p. 5, Jan.
15, 1990.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">[ATTY.
CHARLIE TUMARU] — Tell us, Mr. Witness, you said in your affidavit that part of
the contents of the publication "Ang Masa" was not correct which
pertains to 487.87 square-meters. However, you were able to make that
conclusion when you were able to read that part of the publication, "Ang
Masa."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">A
— No, sir, I told you, sir, that the contents of my sworn statement is correct.
But some portion of the newspaper "Ang Masa" particularly the portion
regarding the 487.87 square meters wherein me and my companions were living,
that is not correct because the lot was occupied by the barangay chairman
Olmedo and the lot was owned by the government.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">8 United States v.
Eguia, 38 Phil. 857 (1918).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">9 <i>See</i>
People v. Burgos, 59 Phil. 375 (1934).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">10 REVISED RULES
ON CRIMINAL PROCEDURE, RULE 117, §8; People v. Garcia, 281 SCRA 463 (1997).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">11 Daez v. Court
of Appeals, 191 SCRA 61 (1990).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">12 REVISED PENAL
CODE, ART. 353.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">13 M.H. NEWELL,
THE LAW ON SLANDER AND LIBEL IN CIVIL AND CRIMINAL CASES §175 (1924).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">14 Alonzo v. Court
of Appeals, 241 SCRA 51 (1995).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">15 Kunkle v.
Cablenews-American, 42 Phil. 757 (1922).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">16 In Republic v.
Court of Appeals, 94 SCRA 865 (1979), usurpation or illegal appropriation of 50
hectares of state-owned urban land was considered as "landgrabbing."
Petitioner, on the other hand, cites the concurring opinion of Justice Ramon C.
Aquino in Tahanan Development Corporation v. Court of Appeals, 118 SCRA 273,
325 (1982) that landgrabbing may be perpetrated by (1) actual and physical
usurpation, (2) expanded survey, (3) fake Spanish titles, and (4) reconstitution
of fake Torrens titles, registration decrees, or judgments in land registration
cases. Petition, p. 15; <i>Rollo</i>, p. 23.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">17 38 Phil. 666,
672-673 (1918).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">18 TSN, pp. 3-4,
Nov. 15, 1989.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">19 Art. 361
provides:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Proof of the truth</span></i></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">. — In every criminal prosecution for
libel, the truth may be given in evidence to the court and if it appears that
the matter charged as libelous is true, and, moreover, that it was published
with good motives and for justifiable ends, the defendants shall be acquitted.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Proof of the truth
of an imputation of an act or omission not constituting a crime shall not be
admitted, unless the imputation shall have been made against Government
employees with respect to facts related to the discharge of their official
duties.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">In such cases if
the defendant proves the truth of the imputation made by him, he shall be
acquitted.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">20 Exh. 12;
Records, pp. 238-239.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">21 Exhs. 3 and 4;
Records, pp. 225-226.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">22 Exh. 17; <i>Id</i>.,
p. 251.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">23 Exh. 16; <i>Id</i>.,
pp. 246-250.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">24 Exhs. D to D-2;
<i>Id</i>., pp. 289-291.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">25 376 U.S. 254,
11 L.Ed.2d 686 (1964). For a fascinating account of this case, <i>see</i>
ANTHONY LEWIS, MAKE NO LAW — THE SULLIVAN CASE AND THE FIRST AMENDMENT (1991).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">26 Lopez v. Court
of Appeals, 145 Phil. 219 (1970); Mercado v. Court of First Instance, 201,
Phil. 565 (1982); Babst v. National Intelligence Board, 132 SCRA 316, 325
(1984) (Fernando, C.J., concurring).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">27 Whitney v.
California, 247 U.S. 357, 375, 71 L.Ed. 1095, 1105 (1927) (concurring).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">28 CA Decision, p.
5; <i>Rollo</i>, p. 48.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">29 Compare:
"The third paragraph of Art. 361 must have reference to the two cases
referred to in the second paragraph where proof of the truth may be admitted,
namely: (1) if the act or omission imputed constitutes a crime; and (2) if the
imputation not constituting a crime is made against Government employees with
respect to facts related to the discharge of their duties. The question may
arise whether or not it is necessary to show that the accused who proved the
truth of the imputation published it with good motives and for justifiable ends
in order that he may be acquitted. It is believed that since the accused did
the public a service, proof of his good motives and justifiable ends is not
necessary." 2 LUIS B. REYES, THE REVISED PENAL CODE 361 (1981).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">30 Manuel v. Paño,
172 SCRA 225 (1989).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">31 <i>Id</i>., at
238-239.</span></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00059656089233637008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751870532072338926.post-79735657695162313402012-02-18T08:14:00.000-08:002012-02-20T00:54:14.211-08:00Western Institute of Technology, Inc. vs. Salas, 278 SCRA 216, G.R. No. 113032, August 21, 1997<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"></span></b><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Western Institute of Technology, Inc. vs. Salas, 278 SCRA 216, G.R. No. 113032, August 21, 1997</span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">WESTERN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC., HOMERO L. VILLASIS,
DIMAS ENRIQUEZ, PRESTON F. VILLASIS & REGINALD F. VILLASIS,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">petitioner,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
vs.<br />
<b>RICARDO T. SALAS, SALVADOR T. SALAS, SOLEDAD SALAS-TUBILLEJA, ANTONIO S.
SALAS, RICHARD S. SALAS & HON. JUDGE PORFIRIO PARIAN,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></b>respondents.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"> </span><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">HERMOSISIMA, JR.,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>J.:</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Up for review on<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>certiorari<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>are: (1) the Decision dated September 6,
1993 and (2) the Order dated November 23, 1993 of Branch 33 of the Regional
Trial Court of Iloilo City in Criminal Cases Nos. 37097 and 37098 for estafa
and falsification of a public document, respectively. The judgment acquitted
the private respondents of both charges, but petitioners seek to hold them
civilly liable.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Private respondents Ricardo T. Salas, Salvador T.
Salas, Soledad Salas-Tubilleja, Antonio S. Salas, and Richard S. Salas,
belonging to the same family, are the majority and controlling members of the
Board of Trustees of Western Institute of Technology, Inc. (WIT, for short), a
stock corporation engaged in the operation, among others, of an educational
institution. According to petitioners, the minority stockholders of WIT,
sometime on June 1, 1986 in the principal office of WIT at La Paz, Iloilo City,
a Special Board Meeting was held. In attendance were other members of the Board
including one of the petitioners Reginald Villasis. Prior to aforesaid Special
Board Meeting, copies of notice thereof, dated May 24, 1986, were distributed
to all Board Members. The notice allegedly indicated that the meeting to be
held on June 1, 1986 included Item No. 6 which states:</span><br />
</div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Possible
implementation of Art. III, Sec. 6 of the Amended By-Laws of Western Institute
of Technology, Inc. on compensation of all officers of the corporation.<span class="apple-converted-space"><b><sup> </sup></b></span><b><sup>1</sup></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">In said meeting, the Board of Trustees passed
Resolution No. 48, s. 1986, granting monthly compensation to the private
respondents as corporate officers retroactive June 1, 1985,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>viz.:</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Resolution No</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>48 s.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>1986</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">On the motion of
Mr. Richard Salas (accused), duly seconded by Mrs. Soledad Tubilleja (accused),
it was unanimously resolved that:</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: 1.0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The Officers of
the Corporation be granted monthly compensation for services rendered as
follows: Chairman — P9,000.00/month, Vice Chairman — P3,500.00/month, Corporate
Treasurer — P3,500.00/month and Corporate Secretary — P3,500.00/month,
retroactive June 1, 1985 and the ten<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>per centum<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>of the
net profits shall be distributed equally among the ten members of the Board of
Trustees. This shall amend and superceed (sic) any previous resolution.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">There were no
other business.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The Chairman
declared the meeting adjourned at 5:11 P.M.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">This is to certify
that the foregoing minutes of the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of
Western Institute of Technology, Inc. held on March 30, 1986 is true and
correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. </span></div>
<div align="right" style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">(Sgd) ANTONIO S.
SALAS<br />
Corporate Secretary<span class="apple-converted-space"><b><sup> </sup></b></span><b><sup>2</sup></b></span><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">A few years later, that is, on March 13, 1991,
petitioners Homero Villasis, Prestod Villasis, Reginald Villasis and Dimas
Enriquez filed an affidavit-complaint against private respondents before the
Office of the City Prosecutor of Iloilo, as a result of which two (2) separate
criminal informations, one for falsification of a public document under Article
171 of the Revised Penal Code and the other for estafa under Article 315, par.
1(b) of the RPC, were filed before Branch 33 of the Regional Trial Court of
Iloilo City. The charge for falsification of public document was anchored on
the private respondents' submission of WIT's income statement for the fiscal
year 1985-1986 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reflecting
therein the disbursement of corporate funds for the compensation of private
respondents based on Resolution No. 4, series of 1986, making it appear that
the same was passed by the board on March 30, 1986, when in truth, the same was
actually passed on June 1, 1986, a date not covered by the corporation's fiscal
year 1985-1986 (beginning May 1, 1985 and ending April 30, 1986). The
Information for falsification of a public document states:</span><br />
</div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The undersigned
City Prosecutor accuses RICARDO T. SALAS, SALVADOR T. SALAS, SOLEDAD
SALAS-TUBILLEJA, ANTONIO S. SALAS and RICHARD S. SALAS (whose dates and places
of birth cannot be ascertained) of the crime of FALSIFICATION OF A PUBLIC
DOCUMENT, Art. 171 of the Revised Penal Code, committed as follows:</span><br />
</div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">That on or about
the 10th day of June, 1986, in the City of Iloilo, Philippines and within the jurisdiction
of this Honorable Court, the above-named accused, being then the Chairman,
Vice-Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, and Trustee (who later became Secretary),
respectively, of the board of trustees of the Western Institute of Technology,
Inc., a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the Republic
of the Philippines, conspiring and confederating together and mutually helping
one another, to better realized (sic)
their purpose, did then and there wilfully, unlawfully and criminally prepare
and execute and subsequently cause to be submitted to the Securities and
Exchange Commission an income statement of the corporation for the fiscal year
1985-1986, the same being required to be submitted every end of the corporation
fiscal year by the aforesaid Commission, and therefore, a public document,
including therein the disbursement of the retroactive compensation of accused
corporate officers in the amount of P186,470.70, by then and there making it
appear that the basis thereof Resolution No. 4, Series of 1986 was passed by
the board of trustees on March 30, 1986, a date covered by the corporation's
fiscal year 1985-1986 (i.e., from May 1, 1985 to April 30,
1986), when in truth and in fact, as said accused well knew, no such Resolution
No. 48, Series of 1986 was passed on March 30, 1986.</span><br />
</div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">CONTRARY TO LAW.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Iloilo City,
Philippines, November 22, 1991.<span class="apple-converted-space"><b><sup> </sup></b></span><b><sup>3</sup></b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The Information, on the other hand, for estafa reads:</span><br />
</div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The undersigned
City Prosecutor accuses RICARDO SALAS, SALVADOR T. SALAS, SOLEDAD
SALAS-TUBILLEJA, ANTONIO S. SALAS, RICHARD S. SALAS (whose dates and places of
birth cannot be ascertained) of the crime of ESTAFA, Art. 315, par. 1 (b) of
the Revised Penal Code, committed as follows:</span><br />
</div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: 1.0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">That on or about
the 1st day of June, 1986, in the City of Iloilo, Philippines, and within the
jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, the above-named accused, being then the
Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, and Trustee (who later became
Secretary), respectively; of the Board of Trustees of Western Institute of
Technology, Inc., a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of
the Republic of the Philippines, conspiring and confederating together and
mutually helping one another to better realize their purpose, did then and there
wilfully, unlawfully and feloniously defraud the said corporation (and its
stockholders) in the following manner, to wit: herein accused, knowing fully
well that they have no sufficient, lawful authority to disburse — let alone
violation of applicable laws and jurisprudence, disbursed the funds of the
corporation by effecting payment of their retroactive salaries in the amount of
P186,470.00 and subsequently paying themselves every 15th and 30th of the month
starting June 15, 1986 until the present, in the amount of P19,500.00 per
month, as if the same were their own, and when herein accused were informed of
the illegality of these disbursements by the minority stockholders by way of
objections made in an annual stockholders' meeting held on June 14, 1986 and
every year thereafter, they refused, and still refuse, to rectify the same to
the damage and prejudice of the corporation (and its stockholders) in the total
sum of P1,453,970.79 as of November 15, 1991.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">CONTRARY TO LAW.</span><br />
</div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Iloilo City,
Philippines, November 22, 1991.<span class="apple-converted-space"><b><sup> </sup></b></span><b><sup>4</sup></b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Thereafter, trial for the two criminal cases, docketed as Criminal Cases
Nos. 37097 and 37098, was consolidated. After a full-blown hearing, Judge
Porfirio Parian handed down a verdict of acquittal on both counts<span class="apple-converted-space"><b><sup> </sup></b></span><b><sup>5</sup></b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>dated September 6, 1993 without
imposing any civil liability against the accused therein.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Petitioners filed a Motion for Reconsideration<span class="apple-converted-space"><b><sup> </sup></b></span><b><sup>6</sup></b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>of the civil aspect of the RTC
Decision which was, however, denied in an Order dated November 23, 1993.<span class="apple-converted-space"><b><sup> </sup></b></span><b><sup>7</sup></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Hence, the instant petition.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Significantly on December 8, 1994, a Motion for Intervention, dated
December 2, 1994, was filed before this Court by Western Institute of
Technology, Inc., supposedly one of the petitioners herein, disowning its
inclusion in the petition and submitting that Atty. Tranquilino R. Gale,
counsel for the other petitioners, had no authority whatsoever to represent the
corporation in filing the petition. Intervenor likewise prayed for the
dismissal of the petition for being utterly without merit. The Motion for
Intervention was granted on January 16, 1995.<span class="apple-converted-space"><b><sup> </sup></b></span><b><sup>8</sup></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Petitioners would like us to hold private respondents
civilly liable despite their acquittal in Criminal Cases Nos. 37097 and 37098.
They base their claim on the alleged illegal issuance by private respondents of
Resolution No. 48, series of 1986 ordering the disbursement of corporate funds
in the amount of P186,470.70 representing retroactive compensation as of June
1, 1985 in favor of private respondents, board members of WIT, plus
P1,453,970.79 for the subsequent collective salaries of private respondents
every 15th and 30th of the month until the filing of the criminal complaints
against them on March 1991. Petitioners maintain that this grant of
compensation to private respondents is proscribed under Section 30 of the
Corporation Code. Thus, private respondents are obliged to return these amounts
to the corporation with interest.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">We cannot sustain the petitioners. The pertinent
section of the Corporation Code provides:</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Sec. 30. Compensation of directors<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>— In the absence of any provision in
the by-laws fixing their compensation, the directors shall not receive any
compensation,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>as such directors, except for
reasonable per diems:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Provided, however, That any such
compensation (other than per diems) may be granted to directors by the vote of
the stockholders representing at least a majority of the outstanding capital
stock at a regular or special stockholders' meeting. In no case shall the total
yearly compensation of directors,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>as such directors, exceed ten (10%)
percent of the net income before income tax of the corporation during the
preceding year. </span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">There is no argument that directors or trustees, as the case may be, are
not entitled to salary or other compensation when they perform nothing more
than the usual and ordinary duties of their office. This rule is founded upon a
presumption that directors/trustees render service gratuitously, and that the
return upon their shares adequately furnishes the motives for service, without
compensation.<span class="apple-converted-space"><b><sup> </sup></b></span><b><sup>9</sup></b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Under the foregoing section, there are
only two (2) ways by which members of the board can be granted compensation
apart from reasonable per diems: (1) when there is a provision in the by-laws
fixing their compensation; and (2) when the stockholders representing a
majority of the outstanding capital stock at a regular or special stockholders'
meeting agree to give it to them.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">This proscription, however, against granting compensation to
directors/trustees of a corporation is not a sweeping rule. Worthy of note is
the clear phraseology of Section 30 which states: ". . . [T]he directors
shall not receive any compensation,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>as such directors, . . . ." The
phrase<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>as such directors<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>is
not without significance for it delimits the scope of the prohibition to compensation
given to them for services performed purely in their capacity as directors or
trustees. The unambiguous implication is that members of the board may receive
compensation, in addition to reasonable per diems, when they render services to
the corporation in a capacity other than as directors/trustees.<b><sup>10</sup></b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>In the case at bench, Resolution No.
48, s. 1986 granted monthly compensation to private respondents not in their
capacity as members of the board, but rather as officers of the corporation,
more particularly as Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary of
Western Institute of Technology. We quote once more Resolution No. 48, s. 1986
for easy reference,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>viz.:</span><br />
</div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Resolution No</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>48 s.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>1986</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">On the motion of
Mr. Richard Salas (accused), duly seconded by Mrs. Soledad Tubilleja (accused),
it was unanimously resolved that:</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The Officers of
the Corporation be granted monthly compensation for services rendered as
follows: Chairman — P9,000.00/month, Vice Chairman — P3,500.00/month, Corporate
Treasurer — P3,500.00/month and Corporate Secretary — P3,500.00/month,
retroactive June 1, 1985 and the ten<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>per centum<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>of the
net profits shall be distributed equally among the ten members of the Board of
Trustees. This shall amend and superceed (sic) any previous resolution.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">There were no
other business.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The Chairman
declared the meeting adjourned at 5:11 P.M.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">This is to certify
that the foregoing minutes of the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of
Western Institute of Technology, Inc. held on March 30, 1986 is true and
correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: 3.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">(Sgd) ANTONIO S.
SALAS<br />
Corporate Secretary<span class="apple-converted-space"><b><sup> </sup></b></span><b><sup>11</sup></b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Clearly, therefore, the prohibition with respect to
granting compensation to corporate directors/trustees<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>as
suchunder Section 30 is not violated in this particular case.
Consequently, the last sentence of Section 30 which provides:</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">. . . . . . . In
no case shall the total yearly compensation of directors,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>as
such directors, exceed<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>ten (10%) percent of the net income before
income tax<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>of the
corporation during the preceding year. (Emphasis ours]</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">does not likewise find application in this case since
the compensation is being given to private respondents in their capacity as
officers of WIT and not as board members.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Petitioners assert that the instant case is a
derivative suit brought by them as minority shareholders of WIT for and on
behalf of the corporation to annul Resolution No. 48, s. 1986 which is
prejudicial to the corporation.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">We are unpersuaded. A derivative suit is an action brought by minority
shareholders in the name of the corporation to redress wrongs committed against
it, for which the directors refuse to sue.<span class="apple-converted-space"><b><sup> </sup></b></span><b><sup>12</sup></b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>It is a remedy designed by equity and
has been the principal defense of the minority shareholders against abuses by
the majority.<span class="apple-converted-space"><b><sup> </sup></b></span><b><sup>13</sup></b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Here, however, the case is not a
derivative suit but is merely an appeal on the civil aspect of Criminal Cases
Nos. 37097 and 37098 filed with the RTC of Iloilo for estafa and falsification
of public document. Among the basic requirements for a derivative suit to
prosper is that the minority shareholder who is suing for and on behalf of the
corporation must allege in his complaint before the proper forum that he is
suing on a derivative cause of action on behalf of the corporation and all other
shareholders similarly situated who wish to join.<span class="apple-converted-space"><b><sup> </sup></b></span><b><sup>14</sup></b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>This is necessary to vest jurisdiction
upon the tribunal in line with the rule that it is the allegations in the
complaint that vests jurisdiction upon the court or quasi-judicial body
concerned over the subject matter and nature of the action.<b><sup>15</sup></b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>This was not complied with by the
petitioners either in their complaint before the court<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>a
quo<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>nor in the instant
petition which, in part, merely states that "this is a petition for review
on<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>certiorari<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>on pure
questions of law to set aside a portion of the RTC decision in Criminal Cases
Nos. 37097 and 37098"<span class="apple-converted-space"><b><sup> </sup></b></span><b><sup>16</sup></b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>since the trial court's judgment of
acquittal failed to impose any civil liability against the private respondents.
By no amount of equity considerations, if at all deserved, can a mere appeal on
the civil aspect of a criminal case be treated as a derivative suit.</span><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Granting, for purposes of discussion, that this is a
derivative suit as insisted by petitioners, which it is not, the same is
outrightly dismissible for having been wrongfully filed in the regular court
devoid of any jurisdiction to entertain the complaint. The ease should have
been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) which exercises
original and exclusive jurisdiction over derivative suits, they being
intra-corporate disputes, per Section 5 (b) of P.D. No. 902-A:</span><br />
</div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">In addition to the
regulatory and adjudicative functions of the Securities and Exchange Commission
over corporations, partnerships and other forms of associations registered with
it as expressly granted under existing laws and decrees, it shall have original
and exclusive jurisdiction to hear and decide cases involving:</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">xxx xxx xxx</span><br />
</div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">b) Controversies arising out of intra-corporate<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>or partnership<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>relations,
between and among stockholders, members, or associates;<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>between
any or all of them and the corporation, partnership or association of
which they are stockholders, members or associates, respectively; and between
such corporation, partnership or association and the State insofar as it
concerns their individual franchise or right to exist as such entity;</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">xxx xxx xxx</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Once the case is decided by the SEC, the losing party may file a
petition for review before the Court of Appeals raising questions of fact, of
law, or mixed questions of fact and law.<span class="apple-converted-space"><b><sup> </sup></b></span><b><sup>17</sup></b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>It is only after the case has ran this
course, and not earlier, can it be brought to us<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>via<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>a petition for review on<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>certiorari<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>under Rule 45 raising only pure
questions of law.<span class="apple-converted-space"><b><sup> </sup></b></span><b><sup>18</sup></b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Petitioners, in pleading that we treat
the instant petition as a derivative suit, are trying to short-circuit the
entire process which we cannot here sanction.</span><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">As an appeal on the civil aspect of Criminal Cases Nos.
37097 and 37098 for falsification of public document and estafa, which this
petition truly is, we have to deny the petition just the same. It will be well
to quote the respondent court's ratiocinations acquitting the private
respondents on both counts:</span><br />
</div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The prosecution
wants this Court to believe and agree that there is falsification of public
document because, as claimed by the prosecution, Resolution No. 48, Series of
1986 (Exh. "1-E-1") was not taken up and passed during the Regular
Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Western Institute of Technology (WIT),
Inc. on March 30, 1986, but on June 1, 1986 special meeting of the same board
of trustees.</span><br />
</div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">This Court is
reluctant to accept this claim of falsification. The prosecution omitted to
submit the complete minutes of the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees on
March 30, 1986. It only presented in evidence Exh. "C", which is page
5 or the last page of the said minutes. Had the complete minutes (Exh.
"1") consisting of five (5) pages, been submitted, it can be readily
seen and understood that Resolution No. 48, Series of 1986 (Exh.
"1-E-1") giving compensation to corporate officers, was indeed
included in Other Business, No. 6 of the Agenda, and was taken up and passed on
March 30, 1986. The mere fact of existence of Exh. "C" also proves
that it was passed on March 30, 1986 for Exh. "C" is part and parcel
of the whole minutes of the Board of Trustees Regular Meeting on March 30,
1986. No better and more credible proof can be considered other than the
Minutes (Exh. "1") itself of the Regular Meeting of the Board of
Trustees on March 30, 1986. The imputation that said Resolution No. 48 was
neither taken up nor passed on March 30, 1986 because the matter regarding
compensation was not specifically stated or written in the Agenda<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>and
that the words "possible implementation of said Resolution No.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>48, was expressly written in the Agenda for
the Special Meeting of the Board on June 1, 1986, is simply an implication.
This evidence by implication to the mind of the court cannot prevail over the
Minutes (Exh. "1") and cannot ripen into proof beyond reasonable
doubt which is demanded in all criminal prosecutions.</span><br />
</div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">This Court finds
that under the Eleventh Article (Exh. "3-D-1") of the Articles of
Incorporation (Exh. "3-B") of the Panay Educational Institution,
Inc., now the Western Institute of Technology, Inc., the officers of the
corporation shall receive such compensation as the Board of Directors may
provide. These Articles of Incorporation was adopted on May 17, 1957 (Exh.
"3-E"). The Officers of the corporation and their corresponding
duties are enumerated and stated in Sections 1, 2, 3 and 4 of Art. III of the
Amended By-Laws of the Corporation (Exh. "4-A") which was adopted on
May 31, 1957. According to Sec. 6, Art. III of the same By-Laws, all officers
shall receive such compensation as may be fixed by the Board of Directors.</span><br />
</div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">It is the
perception of this Court that the grant of compensation or salary to the
accused in their capacity as officers of the corporation, through Resolution
No. 48, enacted on March 30, 1986 by the Board of Trustees, is authorized by
both the Articles of Incorporation and the By-Laws of the corporation. To state
otherwise is to depart from the clear terms of the said articles and by-laws.
In their defense the accused have properly and rightly asserted that the grant
of salary is not for directors, but for their being officers of the corporation
who oversee the day to day activities and operations of the school.</span><br />
</div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">xxx xxx xxx</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">. . .[O]n the
question of whether or not the accused can be held liable for estafa under Sec.
1 (b) of Art. 315 of the Revised Penal Code, it is perceived by this Court that
the receipt and the holding of the money by the accused as salary on basis of
the authority granted by the Articles and By-Laws of the corporation are not
tainted with abuse of confidence. The money they received belongs to them and
cannot be said to have been converted and/or misappropriated by them.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">xxx xxx xxx<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b><sup>19</sup></b></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">From the foregoing factual findings, which we find to
be amply substantiated by the records, it is evident that there is simply no
basis to hold the accused, private respondents herein, civilly liable. Section
2(b) of Rule 111 on the New Rules on Criminal Procedure provides:</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Sec. 2.
Institution of separate civil action.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">xxx xxx xxx</span><br />
</div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">(b) Extinction of
the penal action does not carry with it extinction of the civil, unless the
extinction proceeds from a declaration in a final judgment that the fact from
which the civil might arise did not exist. </span><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Likewise, the last paragraph of Section 2, Rule 120
reads:</span><br />
</div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Sec. 2. Form and
contents of judgment.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">xxx xxx xxx</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">In case of
acquittal,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>unless there is a clear showing that the act
from which the civil liability might arise did not exist, the judgment
shall make a finding on the civil liability of the accused in favor of the
offended party. </span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The acquittal in Criminal Cases Nos. 37097 and 37098 is not merely based
on reasonable doubt but rather on a finding that the accused-private
respondents did not commit the criminal acts complained of. Thus, pursuant to
the above rule and settled jurisprudence, any civil action<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>ex
delicto<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>cannot prosper.
Acquittal in a criminal action bars the civil action arising therefrom where
the judgment of acquittal holds that the accused did not commit the criminal
acts imputed to them.<span class="apple-converted-space"><b><sup> </sup></b></span><b><sup>20</sup></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">WHEREFORE, the instant petition is hereby DENIED with
costs against petitioners.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">SO ORDERED.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Padilla, Bellosillo, Vitug
and Kapunan, JJ., concur.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<b><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Footnotes</span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: 1.0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">1 Annex
"E";<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Rollo, p. 92.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: 1.0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">2 Annex
"F";<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Rollo,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>p. 93.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: 1.0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">3 Annex "V";<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Rollo,
p. 237.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: 1.0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">4 Annex
"U";<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Rollo, p. 233.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: 1.0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">5 Decision, p. 11;<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Rollo,
p. 64.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: 1.0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">6 Annex
"B";<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Rollo, p. 66.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: 1.0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">7 Rollo, p. 87.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: 1.0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">8 Rollo, p. 403.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: 1.0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">9 Agbayani, Aguedo
F., Commentaries and Jurisprudence on the Commercial Laws of the Philippines,
Vol. 3, 1988 ed., p. 259.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: 1.0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">10 Ibid.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: 1.0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">11 Annex
"F";<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Rollo, p. 93.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: 1.0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">12 Agbayani,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>supra.,
p. 540.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: 1.0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">13 Commart
(Phils.) Inc. v. Securities & Exchange Commission, 198 SCRA 73, 80 [1991].</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: 1.0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">14 Agbayani,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>supra.,
p. 543.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: 1.0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">15 See<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Sarmiento
v. Court of Appeals, 250 SCRA 108 [1995]; De leon v. Court of Appeals, 245 SCRA
166 [1995]; Alleje v. Court of Appeals, 240 SCRA 495 [1995].</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: 1.0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">16 Petition, p. 6;<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Rollo,
p. 13.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2751870532072338926" name="_GoBack"></a>17 Sections 1 & 3, Circular No. 1-91; Sections
1 & 3, Revised Administrative Circular No. 1-95; Now incorporated in
Sections 1 & 3, Rule 43 of the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: 1.0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">18 Section I, Rule
45.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: 1.0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">19 Decision, pp.
9-11;<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Rollo, pp. 62-64.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: 1.0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">20 Regalado,
Florenz D., Remedial Law Compendium, Vol. II, 1995 ed., p. 287,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>citing<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Tan v. Standard Vacuum Oil Co., 91
Phil. 672.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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