SYLLABI/SYNOPSIS

SYNOPSIS

Petitioners filed two cases for damages with preliminary injunction, with the municipal trial
Court of Guinobatan, Albay against respondents for illegal gatherings of anahaw leaves, pilinuts
and coconuts, and their destruction of banana and pineapple plantation. The two cases were
consolidated. In their answer, respondents claimed that petitioners were not the owners of the
land in question. They contented that there was no annotation on the titles of the land
establishing petitioners right over the land and Josefina Opiana-Baraclan is the lawful owner of
the land and the respondents Jaime Occidental her bona fide tenant. The MTC rendered a
decision in favor of petitioners. It held the petitioners had been in actual continuous, open and
adverse possession of the land in question for forty-five (45) years. Respondents appealed to the
Regional Trial Court of Ligao, Albay Questioning the jurisdiction of the MTC contending that
the case was cognizable by the Department of Agrarian Reform Adjudicatory Board (DARAB).
The RTC rendered decision reversing that of the MTC and dismissing the complaints, ruling that
the issue involved is tenancy-related which full under the original and exclusive jurisdiction of
the DARAB. Petitioner filed a petition for review with the Court of Appeals. The Court of
Appeals affirmed the MTCs ruling and denied petitioners motion for reconsideration. Hence,
this petition.

For DARAB to have jurisdiction over the case, there must exist a tenancy relationship between
the parties. In order for a tenancy agreement to take hold over dispute, it would be essential to
establish all its indispensable elements, to wit: 1) that the parties are the landowner and the
tenant or agricultural lessee; (2) that the subject matter of the relationship is an agricultural land;
(3) that there is consent between the parties to the relationship; (4) that the purpose of the
relationship is to bring about agricultural production; (5) that there is personal cultivation on the
part of the tenant or agricultural lessee; and (6) that the harvest is shared between the landowner
and the tenant or agricultural lessee. The Supreme court ruled that the issue involved in the case
is tenancy- related cognizable by the DARAB for its fails to comply with the aforesaid requisites.
Moreover, the issue of ownership cannot settled by the DARAB since it is outside its
jurisdiction. Whatever findings made by the DARAB regarding the ownership of the land are
not conclusive to settle the matter. The issue of the ownership shall be resolved in a separate
proceedings before the appropriate trial court between the claimants thereof. The Supreme Court
therefore affirmed the decision of the Municipal Trial Court.

SYLLABUS

1. REMEDIAL LAW; CIVIL PROCEDURE; COURTS; JURISDICTION; DETERMINED BY
THE ALLEGATIONS MADE IN THE COMPLAINT. It is axiomatic that what determines the
nature of an action as well as which court has jurisdiction over it, are the allegations in the
complaint and the character of the relief sought. Jurisdiction over the subject matter is
determined upon the allegations made in the complaint, irrespective of whether the plaintiff is
entitled to recover upon a claim asserted therein - a matter resolved only after and as a result of
the trial. Neither can the jurisdiction of the court be made to depend upon the defenses made by
the defendant in his answer or motion to dismiss. If such were the rule, the question of
jurisdiction would depend almost entirely upon the defendant. The complaint filed by
petitioners before the Municipal Trial Court is an action for damages for illegal gathering of
anahaw leaves, pilinuts and coconuts, and the destruction of their banana and pineapple
plantations. The respondents did not question the municipal trial court's jurisdiction in their
answer. The issue of jurisdiction was raised for the first time on appeal.

2. ADMINISTRATIVE LAW; DARAB; TENANCY RELATIONSHIP; ELEMENTS
THEREOF. For DARAB to have jurisdiction over a case, there must exist a tenancy
relationship between the parties. In order for a tenancy agreement to take hold over a dispute, it
would be essential to establish all its indispensable elements, to wit: 1) that the parties are the
landowner and the tenant or agricultural lessee; 2) that the subject matter of the relationship is an
agricultural land; 3) that there is consent between the parties to the relationship; 4) that the
purpose of the relationship is to bring about agricultural production; 5) that there is personal
cultivation on the part of the tenant or agricultural lessee; and 6) that the harvest is shared
between the landowner and the tenant or agricultural lessee.

3. ID.; ID.; JURISDICTION THEREOF; CITED. In Vda. de Tangub v. Court of Appeals, we
held that the jurisdiction of the Department of Agrarian Reforms is limited to the following: a)
adjudication of all matters involving implementation of agrarian reform; b) resolution of agrarian
conflicts and land-tenure related problems; and c) approval and disapproval of the conversion,
restructuring or readjustment of agricultural lands into residential, commercial, industrial, and
other non-agricultural uses.

4. ID.; ID.; NO JURISDICTION TO SETTLE ISSUE OF OWNERSHIP. The regional trial
court ruled that the issue involved is tenancy-related that falls within the exclusive jurisdiction of
the DARAB. It relied on the findings in DARAB Case No. 2413 that Josefina Opiana-Baraclan
appears to be the lawful owner of the land and Jaime Occidental was her recognized tenant.
However, petitioner Morta claimed that he is the owner of the land. Thus, there is even a dispute
as to who is the rightful owner of the land, Josefina Opiana-Baraclan or petitioner Morta. The
issue of ownership cannot be settled by the DARAB since it is definitely outside its jurisdiction.
Whatever findings made by the DARAB regarding the ownership of the land are not conclusive
to settle the matter. The issue of ownership shall be resolved in a separate proceeding before the
appropriate trial court between the claimants thereof.

5. ID.; ID.; NO JURISDICTION TO SETTLE DISPUTE IN CASE AT BAR. At any rate,
whoever is declared to be the rightful owner of the land, the case can not be considered as
tenancy-related for it still fails to comply with the other requirements. Assuming arguendo that
Josefina Opiana-Baraclan is the owner, then the case is not between the landowner and tenant.
If, however, Morta is the landowner, Occidental can not claim that there is consent to a
landowner-tenant relationship between him and Morta. Thus, for failure to comply with the
above requisites, we conclude that the issue involved is not tenancy-related cognizable by the
DARAB.

DAVIDE, JR., C. J., dissenting opinion:

LABOR AND SOCIAL LEGISLATION; AGRICULTURAL TENANCY, TENANCY
ATTACHES TO THE LAND.-C. J. Davide, Jr. agrees with both the Regional Trial Court and
the Court Appeals that the case before the Municipal Trial Court involved and agrarian dispute
exclusively cognizable by the DARAB. It had, in fact, been determined in DARAB Case No.
2413 that respondent the Jaime Occidental- a defendant in one of the MTC cases- is the tenant of
Josefina Opiniana- Baraclan (1st par.,p.7 of ponencia). There is at all no showing that this
determination by DARAB has been set aside by some higher authorities. The claim of petitioner
Morta that he is the owner of the land is of no moment, for whether is it is Josefina or Morta who
is the owner does not affect Occidentals right as tenancy. Tenancy attaches to the land.

APPEARANCES OF COUNSEL

Rodolfo R. Paulino for petitioners
Mariano B. Baranda, Jr. for private respondents.

FIRST DIVISION
[G.R. No. 123417. June 10, 1999]
JAIME MORTA, SR. and PURIFICACION PADILLA, petitioners, vs. JAIME
OCCIDENTAL, ATTY. MARIANO BARANDA, JR., and DANIEL
CORRAL, respondents.
D E C I S I O N
PARDO, J.:
What is before us is a petition for review on certiorari of the decision
[1]
of the Court of
Appeals and the resolution,
[2]
denying petitioners' motion for reconsideration and supplemental
motion for reconsideration. In its decision, the Court of Appeals dismissed the petition for
review filed before it, ruling that the cases below fall within the jurisdiction of the DARAB.
The antecedent facts are as follows:
On January 10 and 21, 1994,
[3]
petitioners Jaime Morta, Sr. and Purificacion Padilla filed
two (2) cases
[4]
for damages with preliminary injunction, with the Municipal Trial Court,
Guinobatan, Albay, against respondents Jaime Occidental, Atty. Mariano Baranda, Jr. and Daniel
Corral, which were consolidated pursuant to Rule 31 of the Revised Rules of Court. In the
complaints, petitioners alleged that respondents through the instigation of Atty. Baranda,
gathered pilinuts, anahaw leaves, and coconuts from their respective land, delivered the produce
to Atty. Mariano Baranda, Jr., and destroyed their banana and pineapple plants. In Civil Case
No. 481, petitioners claimed damages amounting to P8,930.00, plus costs of suit; in Civil Case
No. 482, petitioners claimed P9,950.00, as damages. The court considered the cases covered by
the Rule on Summary Procedure and ordered respondents to file their answer.
In their answer, respondents claimed that petitioners were not the owners of the land in
question. They alleged that the torrens titles of the land indicated a certain Gil Opiana as the
registered owner. Gil Opiana was the father of Josefina Opiana-Baraclan who inherited the lots
upon the former's death. Respondent Jaime Occidental contended that he was a bona fide tenant
of Josefina Opiana-Baraclan. Respondents stated that there was no annotation on the titles
establishing petitioners' right over the land. They denied harvesting the anahaw leaves and
coconuts, as well as delivering the produce to Atty. Baranda, Jr.
Thereafter, the Municipal Trial Court ordered the parties to submit affidavits of their
witnesses and other evidence on the factual issues, together with their respective position
papers. After respondents' failure to file their position papers within the prescribed period, the
trial court considered the case submitted for decision.
On March 29, 1994, the Municipal Trial Court rendered decision
[5]
in favor of petitioners. It
held that petitioners had been in actual, continuous, open and adverse possession of the land in
question for forty-five (45) years. The decretal portion of the decision reads:
WHEREFORE, in view of the foregoing considerations, judgment is rendered in favor of the
plaintiffs and against the defendants in both cases as follows:
1) Ordering the defendants not to molest and disturb the peaceful possession of the plaintiffs in
the lands in question situated at San Rafael, Guinobatan;
2) Condemning the defendants in Civil Cases No. 481 to jointly and severally pay the plaintiffs
the total amount of P8,130.00 representing the value of the coconuts, pilinuts and anahaw leaves
and for the destroyed plants;
3) Ordering the defendants in Civil Cases No. 481 jointly and severally to reimburse the
plaintiffs the amount of P202.00 as legal expenses incurred in filing this suit;
4) Condemning the defendants in Civil Case No. 482 jointly and severally to pay the plaintiffs
the total amount of P9,950.00 representing the value of the coconuts and anahaw leaves;
5) Ordering the said defendants in Civil Case No. 482 to jointly and severally reimburse the
plaintiffs the sum of P202.00 as legal expenses in filing this suit.
Guinobatan, Albay, March 29, 1994.
(signed)
JAIME R. REMONTE
Judge
[6]

Respondents appealed to the Regional Trial Court, Ligao, Albay. They questioned the trial
court's jurisdiction contending that the case was cognizable by the Department of Agrarian
Reform Adjudicatory Board (DARAB). They alleged that petitioners engaged in forum
shopping and that the trial court erred in granting the reliefs prayed for.
On August 10, 1994, the Regional Trial Court rendered decision reversing that of the
Municipal Trial Court and dismissing the above cases,
[7]
ruling that these cases for damages are
tenancy-related problems which fall under the original and exclusive jurisdiction of the
DARAB. The court also declared that the filing of Civil Cases Nos. 481 and 482, while a case
involving the same issue was pending before the DARAB, amounted to forum shopping.
On September 9, 1994, petitioners filed a petition for review
[8]
with the Court of Appeals,
contesting the decision of the Regional Trial Court. On May 31, 1995, the Court of
Appeals
[9]
rendered decision affirming the lower's court ruling that the cases fall within the
original and exclusive jurisdiction of DARAB. However, it ruled that petitioners did not engage
in forum shopping.
On June 6, 1995, petitioners filed a motion for reconsideration.
[10]
On June 13, 1995, they
filed a supplemental motion for reconsideration,
[11]
stressing that there was no tenancy
relationship between the parties, as certified by the Municipal Agrarian Reform Office
(MARO).
[12]

On December 8, 1995, the Court of Appeals denied the motions.
[13]

Hence, this petition for review on certiorari.
Petitioners claim that Morta is not a tenant of either Jaime Occidental or Josefina Opiana-
Baraclan, as shown by the MARO certification. They argue that the civil actions for damages
are not tenancy-related, and, hence, are properly cognizable by the trial court, not the DARAB.
We resolve to grant the petition.
It is axiomatic that what determines the nature of an action as well as which court has
jurisdiction over it, are the allegations in the complaint and the character of the relief
sought.
[14]
"Jurisdiction over the subject matter is determined upon the allegations made in the
complaint, irrespective of whether the plaintiff is entitled to recover upon a claim asserted
therein - a matter resolved only after and as a result of the trial. Neither can the jurisdiction of
the court be made to depend upon the defenses made by the defendant in his answer or motion to
dismiss. If such were the rule, the question of jurisdiction would depend almost entirely upon
the defendant.
[15]
The complaint filed by petitioners before the Municipal Trial Court is an
action for damages for illegal gathering of anahaw leaves, pilinuts and coconuts, and the
destruction of their banana and pineapple plantations. The respondents did not question the
municipal trial court's jurisdiction in their answer. The issue of jurisdiction was raised for the
first time on appeal.
For DARAB to have jurisdiction over a case, there must exist a tenancy relationship
between the parties. In order for a tenancy agreement to take hold over a dispute, it would be
essential to establish all its indispensable elements, to wit: 1) that the parties are the landowner
and the tenant or agricultural lessee; 2) that the subject matter of the relationship is an
agricultural land; 3) that there is consent between the parties to the relationship; 4) that the
purpose of the relationship is to bring about agricultural production; 5) that there is personal
cultivation on the part of the tenant or agricultural lessee; and 6) that the harvest is shared
between the landowner and the tenant or agricultural lessee.
[16]
In Vda. de Tangub v. Court of
Appeals,
[17]
we held that the jurisdiction of the Department of Agrarian Reforms is limited to the
following:
a) adjudication of all matters involving implementation of agrarian reform;
b) resolution of agrarian conflicts and land-tenure related problems; and
c) approval and disapproval of the conversion, restructuring or readjustment of
agricultural lands into residential, commercial, industrial, and other non-agricultural
uses.
The regional trial court ruled that the issue involved is tenancy-related that falls within the
exclusive jurisdiction of the DARAB. It relied on the findings in DARAB Case No. 2413 that
Josefina Opiana-Baraclan appears to be the lawful owner of the land and Jaime Occidental was
her recognized tenant. However, petitioner Morta claimed that he is the owner of the
land. Thus, there is even a dispute as to who is the rightful owner of the land, Josefina Opiana-
Baraclan or petitioner Morta. The issue of ownership cannot be settled by the DARAB since it is
definitely outside its jurisdiction. Whatever findings made by the DARAB regarding the
ownership of the land are not conclusive to settle the matter. The issue of ownership shall be
resolved in a separate proceeding before the appropriate trial court between the claimants
thereof.
At any rate, whoever is declared to be the rightful owner of the land, the case can not be
considered as tenancy-related for it still fails to comply with the other
requirements. Assuming arguendo that Josefina Opiana-Baraclan is the owner, then the case is
not between the landowner and tenant. If, however, Morta is the landowner, Occidental can not
claim that there is consent to a landowner-tenant relationship between him and Morta. Thus, for
failure to comply with the above requisites, we conclude that the issue involved is not tenancy-
related cognizable by the DARAB.
WHEREFORE, the Court SETS ASIDE the decision of the Court of Appeals in CA-G.R.
SP No. 35300 and that of the Regional Trial Court in Civil Cases Nos. 1751 and 1752.
The Court AFFIRMS the decision of the Municipal Trial Court, Guinobatan, Albay, in Civil
Cases Nos. 481 and 482, for damages.
SO ORDERED.
Kapunan, and Ynares-Santiago, JJ., concur.
Davide, Jr., C.J., pls. see dissenting opinion.
Melo, J., joins Chief Justice Davide in his dissent.
DISSSENTING OPINION

DAVIDE, JR., C.J.:
I beg to dissent. I agree with both the Regional Trial Court and the Court of Appeals that
the cases before the Municipal Trial Court involved an agrarian dispute exclusively cognizable
by the DARAB. It had, in fact, been determined in DARAB Case No. 2413 that respondent
Jaime Occidental a defendant in one of the MTC cases is the tenant of Josefina Opiniana-
Baraclan (1
st
par., p. 7 of ponencia). There is at all no showing that this determination by
DARAB has been set aside by some higher authorities. The claim of petitioner Morta that he is
the owner of the land is of no moment, for whether it is Josefina or Morta who is the owner does
not affect Occidental's right as tenancy. Tenancy attaches to the land.
As I see it, the cases filed by petitioners Morta and Padilla were a clever way to defeat the
agrarian law. While the cases were ostensibly for damages, they were, at bottom, a fight on
issues incident to or arising from an agrarian relationship. The first relief granted by the MTC,
to wit:
"1) Ordering the defendants not to molest and disturb the peaceful possession of the plaintiffs
in the lands in question situated at San Rafael, Guinobatan;
mirrors the true nature of the controversy.
WHEREFORE, I vote to DENY the instant petition since no reversible error was
committed by the Court of Appeals in its challenged decision.




LUZ FARMS, petitioner, vs. THE HONORABLE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRARAN
REFORM, respon!ent.

Enri"#e M. Be$o %or petitioner.


D E C S O N

PARAS, & p'

T(is is ) petition %or pro(i*ition +it( pr),er %or restr)inin- or!er )n!.or pre$i/in)r, )n!
per/)nent in0#n1tion )-)inst t(e Honor)*$e Se1ret)r, o% t(e Dep)rt/ent o% A-r)ri)n Re%or/
%or )1tin- +it(o#t 0#ris!i1tion in en%or1in- t(e )ss)i$e! provisions o% R.A. No. 2234, ot(er+ise
5no+n )s t(e Co/pre(ensive A-r)ri)n Re%or/ L)+ o% 6788 )n! in pro/#$-)tin- t(e G#i!e$ines
)n! Pro1e!#re /p$e/entin- Pro!#1tion )n! Pro%it S()rin- #n!er R.A. No. 2234, inso%)r )s t(e
s)/e )pp$, to (erein petitioner, )n! %#rt(er %ro/ per%or/in- )n )1t in vio$)tion o% t(e
1onstit#tion)$ ri-(ts o% t(e petitioner.

As -)t(ere! %ro/ t(e re1or!s, t(e %)1t#)$ *)15-ro#n! o% t(is 1)se, is )s %o$$o+s'

On &#ne 69, 6788, t(e Presi!ent o% t(e P(i$ippines )pprove! R.A. No. 2234, +(i1( in1$#!es
t(e r)isin- o% $ivesto15, po#$tr, )n! s+ine in its 1over)-e :Ro$$o, p. 89;.

On &)n#)r, <, 6787, t(e Se1ret)r, o% A-r)ri)n Re%or/ pro/#$-)te! t(e G#i!e$ines )n!
Pro1e!#res /p$e/entin- Pro!#1tion )n! Pro%it S()rin- )s e/*o!ie! in Se1tions 6= )n! =< o%
R.A. No. 2234 :Ro$$o, p. 89;.

On &)n#)r, 7, 6787, t(e Se1ret)r, o% A-r)ri)n Re%or/ pro/#$-)te! its R#$es )n!
Re-#$)tions i/p$e/entin- Se1tion 66 o% R.A. No. 2234 :Co//er1i)$ F)r/s;. :Ro$$o, p. 86;.

L#> F)r/s, petitioner in t(is 1)se, is ) 1orpor)tion en-)-e! in t(e $ivesto15 )n! po#$tr,
*#siness )n! to-et(er +it( ot(ers in t(e s)/e *#siness )$$e-e!$, st)n!s to *e )!verse$,
)%%e1te! *, t(e en%or1e/ent o% Se1tion =:*;, Se1tion 66, Se1tion 6=, Se1tion 62:!; )n! 64 )n!
Se1tion =< o% R.A. No. 2234 ot(er+ise 5no+n )s Co/pre(ensive A-r)ri)n Re%or/ L)+ )n! o%
t(e G#i!e$ines )n! Pro1e!#res /p$e/entin- Pro!#1tion )n! Pro%it S()rin- #n!er R.A. No. 2234
pro/#$-)te! on &)n#)r, <, 6787 )n! t(e R#$es )n! Re-#$)tions /p$e/entin- Se1tion 66
t(ereo% )s pro/#$-)te! *, t(e DAR on &)n#)r, 7, 6787 :Ro$$o, pp. <?=2;.

Hen1e, t(is petition pr),in- t()t )%ores)i! $)+s, -#i!e$ines )n! r#$es *e !e1$)re!
#n1onstit#tion)$. Me)n+(i$e, it is )$so pr),e! t()t ) +rit o% pre$i/in)r, in0#n1tion or restr)inin-
or!er *e iss#e! en0oinin- p#*$i1 respon!ents %ro/ en%or1in- t(e s)/e, inso%)r )s t(e, )re
/)!e to )pp$, to L#> F)r/s )n! ot(er $ivesto15 )n! po#$tr, r)isers.

T(is Co#rt in its Reso$#tion !)te! &#$, @, 67=7 reso$ve! to !en,, )/on- ot(ers, L#> F)r/sA
pr),er %or t(e iss#)n1e o% ) pre$i/in)r, in0#n1tion in its M)ni%est)tion !)te! M), <2, )n! =6,
6787. :Ro$$o, p. 78;.

L)ter, (o+ever, t(is Co#rt in its Reso$#tion !)te! A#-#st <@, 6787 reso$ve! to -r)nt s)i!
Motion %or Re1onsi!er)tion re-)r!in- t(e in0#n1tive re$ie%, )%ter t(e %i$in- )n! )pprov)$ *, t(is
Co#rt o% )n in0#n1tion *on! in t(e )/o#nt o% P699,999.99. T(is Co#rt )$so -)ve !#e 1o#rse to
t(e petition )n! re"#ire! t(e p)rties to %i$e t(eir respe1tive /e/or)n!) :Ro$$o, p. 667;.

T(e petitioner %i$e! its Me/or)n!#/ on Septe/*er 2, 6787 :Ro$$o, pp. 6=6?628;.

On De1e/*er <<, 6787, t(e So$i1itor Gener)$ )!opte! (is Co//ent to t(e petition )s (is
Me/or)n!#/ :Ro$$o, pp. 682?684;.

L#> F)r/s "#estions t(e %o$$o+in- provisions o% R.A. 2234, inso%)r )s t(e, )re /)!e to
)pp$, to it'

:); Se1tion =:*; +(i1( in1$#!es t(e Br)isin- o% $ivesto15 :)n! po#$tr,;B in t(e !e%inition o%
BA-ri1#$t#r)$, A-ri1#$t#r)$ Enterprise or A-ri1#$t#r)$ A1tivit,.B
:*; Se1tion 66 +(i1( !e%ines B1o//er1i)$ %)r/sB )s Bpriv)te )-ri1#$t#r)$ $)n!s !evote! to
1o//er1i)$, $ivesto15, po#$tr, )n! s+ine r)isin- . . .B
:1; Se1tion 6= +(i1( 1)$$s #pon petitioner to eCe1#te ) pro!#1tion?s()rin- p$)n.
:!; Se1tion 62:!; )n! 64 +(i1( vest on t(e Dep)rt/ent o% A-r)ri)n Re%or/ t(e )#t(orit, to
s#//)ri$, !eter/ine t(e 0#st 1o/pens)tion to *e p)i! %or $)n!s 1overe! *, t(e
Co/pre(ensive A-r)ri)n Re%or/ L)+.
:e; Se1tion =< +(i1( spe$$s o#t t(e pro!#1tion?s()rin- p$)n /entione! in Se1tion 6= D
B. . . :E;(ere*, t(ree per1ent :=F; o% t(e -ross s)$es %ro/ t(e pro!#1tion o% s#1( $)n!s )re
!istri*#te! +it(in siCt, :29; !),s o% t(e en! o% t(e %is1)$ ,e)r )s 1o/pens)tion to re-#$)r )n!
ot(er %)r/+or5ers in s#1( $)n!s over )n! )*ove t(e 1o/pens)tion t(e, 1#rrent$, re1eive'
Provi!e!, T()t t(ese in!ivi!#)$s or entities re)$i>e -ross s)$es in eC1ess o% %ive /i$$ion pesos per
)nn#/ #n$ess t(e DAR, #pon proper )pp$i1)tion, !eter/ine ) $o+er 1ei$in-.
n t(e event t()t t(e in!ivi!#)$ or entit, re)$i>es ) pro%it, )n )!!ition)$ ten :69F; o% t(e net
pro%it )%ter t)C s()$$ *e !istri*#te! to s)i! re-#$)r )n! ot(er %)r/+or5ers +it(in ninet, :79;
!),s o% t(e en! o% t(e %is1)$ ,e)r . . .B
T(e /)in iss#e in t(is petition is t(e 1onstit#tion)$it, o% Se1tions =:*;, 66, 6= )n! =< o% R.A.
No. 2234 :t(e Co/pre(ensive A-r)ri)n Re%or/ L)+ o% 6788;, inso%)r )s t(e s)i! $)+ in1$#!es
t(e r)isin- o% $ivesto15, po#$tr, )n! s+ine in its 1over)-e )s +e$$ )s t(e /p$e/entin- R#$es )n!
G#i!e$ines pro/#$-)te! in )11or!)n1e t(ere+it(.

T(e 1onstit#tion)$ provision #n!er 1onsi!er)tion re)!s )s %o$$o+s'

ARTCLE G
CCC CCC CCC
AGRARAN AND NATURAL RESOURCES REFORM
Se1tion @. T(e St)te s()$$, *, $)+, #n!ert)5e )n )-r)ri)n re%or/ pro-r)/ %o#n!e! on t(e
ri-(t o% %)r/ers )n! re-#$)r %)r/+or5ers, +(o )re $)n!$ess, to o+n !ire1t$, or 1o$$e1tive$, t(e
$)n!s t(e, ti$$ or, in t(e 1)se o% ot(er %)r/+or5ers, to re1eive ) 0#st s()re o% t(e %r#its t(ereo%.
To t(is en!, t(e St)te s()$$ en1o#r)-e )n! #n!ert)5e t(e 0#st !istri*#tion o% )$$ )-ri1#$t#r)$
$)n!s, s#*0e1t to s#1( priorities )n! re)son)*$e retention $i/its )s t(e Con-ress /), pres1ri*e,
t)5in- into )11o#nt e1o$o-i1)$, !eve$op/ent)$, or e"#it, 1onsi!er)tions, )n! s#*0e1t to t(e
p),/ent o% 0#st 1o/pens)tion. n !eter/inin- retention $i/its, t(e St)te s()$$ respe1t t(e ri-(ts
o% s/)$$ $)n!o+ners. T(e St)te s()$$ %#rt(er provi!e in1entives %or vo$#nt)r, $)n!?s()rin-.
CCC CCC CCCB
L#> F)r/s 1onten!e! t()t it !oes not see5 t(e n#$$i%i1)tion o% R.A. 2234 in its entiret,. n
%)1t, it )15no+$e!-es t(e 1orre1tness o% t(e !e1ision o% t(is Co#rt in t(e 1)se o% t(e Asso1i)tion
o% S/)$$ L)n!o+ners in t(e P(i$ippines, n1. vs. Se1ret)r, o% A-r)ri)n Re%or/ :G.R. 484@<, 6@
&#$, 6787; )%%ir/in- t(e 1onstit#tion)$it, o% t(e Co/pre(ensive A-r)ri)n Re%or/ L)+. t,
(o+ever, )r-#e! t()t Con-ress in en)1tin- t(e s)i! $)+ ()s tr)ns1en!e! t(e /)n!)te o% t(e
Constit#tion, in in1$#!in- $)n! !evote! to t(e r)isin- o% $ivesto15, po#$tr, )n! s+ine in its
1over)-e :Ro$$o, p. 6=6;. Livesto15 or po#$tr, r)isin- is not si/i$)r to 1rop or tree %)r/in-. L)n!
is not t(e pri/)r, reso#r1e in t(is #n!ert)5in- )n! represents no /ore t()n %ive per1ent :3F;
o% t(e tot)$ invest/ent o% 1o//er1i)$ $ivesto15 )n! po#$tr, r)isers. n!ee!, t(ere )re /)n,
o+ners o% resi!enti)$ $)n!s )$$ over t(e 1o#ntr, +(o #se )v)i$)*$e sp)1e in t(eir resi!en1e %or
1o//er1i)$ $ivesto15 )n! r)isin- p#rposes, #n!er B1ontr)1t?-ro+in- )rr)n-e/ents,B +(ere*,
pro1essin- 1orpor)tions )n! ot(er 1o//er1i)$ $ivesto15 )n! po#$tr, r)isers :Ro$$o, p. 69;. L)n!s
s#pport t(e *#i$!in-s )n! ot(er )/enities )tten!)nt to t(e r)isin- o% )ni/)$s )n! *ir!s. T(e #se
o% $)n! is in1i!ent)$ to *#t not t(e prin1ip)$ %)1tor or 1onsi!er)tion in pro!#1tivit, in t(is
in!#str,. n1$#!in- *)15,)r! r)isers, )*o#t 89F o% t(ose in 1o//er1i)$ $ivesto15 )n! po#$tr,
pro!#1tion o11#p, %ive (e1t)res or $ess. T(e re/)inin- <9F )re /ost$, 1orpor)te %)r/s :Ro$$o,
p. 66;.

On t(e ot(er ()n!, t(e p#*$i1 respon!ent )r-#e! t()t $ivesto15 )n! po#$tr, r)isin- is
e/*r)1e! in t(e ter/ B)-ri1#$t#reB )n! t(e in1$#sion o% s#1( enterprise #n!er Se1tion =:*; o%
R.A. 2234 is proper. He 1ite! t()t Ee*sterAs ntern)tion)$ Di1tion)r,, Se1on! E!ition :673@;,
!e%ines t(e %o$$o+in- +or!s'

BA-ri1#$t#re D t(e )rt or s1ien1e o% 1#$tiv)tin- t(e -ro#n! )n! r)isin- )n! ()rvestin- 1rops,
o%ten, in1$#!in- )$so, %ee!in-, *ree!in- )n! /)n)-e/ent o% $ivesto15, ti$$)-e, (#s*)n!r,,
%)r/in-.
t in1$#!es %)r/in-, (orti1#$t#re, %orestr,, !)ir,in-, s#-)r/)5in- . . .
Livesto15 D !o/esti1 )ni/)$s #se! or r)ise! on ) %)r/, espe1i)$$, %or pro%it.
F)r/ D ) p$ot or tr)1t o% $)n! !evote! to t(e r)isin- o% !o/esti1 or ot(er )ni/)$s.B :Ro$$o, pp.
8<?8=;.
T(e petition is i/presse! +it( /erit.

T(e "#estion r)ise! is one o% 1onstit#tion)$ 1onstr#1tion. T(e pri/)r, t)s5 in 1onstit#tion)$
1onstr#1tion is to )s1ert)in )n! t(ere)%ter )ss#re t(e re)$i>)tion o% t(e p#rpose o% t(e %r)/ers
in t(e )!option o% t(e Constit#tion :&.M. T#)>on H Co. vs. L)n! Ten#re A!/inistr)tion, =6 SCRA
@6= I6749J;.

As1ert)in/ent o% t(e /e)nin- o% t(e provision o% Constit#tion *e-ins +it( t(e $)n-#)-e o%
t(e !o1#/ent itse$%. T(e +or!s #se! in t(e Constit#tion )re to *e -iven t(eir or!in)r, /e)nin-
eC1ept +(ere te1(ni1)$ ter/s )re e/p$o,e! in +(i1( 1)se t(e si-ni%i1)n1e t(#s )tt)1(e! to
t(e/ prev)i$s :&.M. T#)>on H Co. vs. L)n! Ten#re A!/inistr)tion, =6 SCRA @6= I6749J;.

t is -ener)$$, (e$! t()t, in 1onstr#in- 1onstit#tion)$ provisions +(i1( )re )/*i-#o#s or o%
!o#*t%#$ /e)nin-, t(e 1o#rts /), 1onsi!er t(e !e*)tes in t(e 1onstit#tion)$ 1onvention )s
t(ro+in- $i-(t on t(e intent o% t(e %r)/ers o% t(e Constit#tion. t is tr#e t()t t(e intent o% t(e
1onvention is not 1ontro$$in- *, itse$%, *#t )s its pro1ee!in- +)s pre$i/in)r, to t(e )!option *,
t(e peop$e o% t(e Constit#tion t(e #n!erst)n!in- o% t(e 1onvention )s to +()t +)s /e)nt *,
t(e ter/s o% t(e 1onstit#tion)$ provision +(i1( +)s t(e s#*0e1t o% t(e !e$i*er)tion, -oes ) $on-
+), to+)r! eCp$)inin- t(e #n!erst)n!in- o% t(e peop$e +(en t(e, r)ti%ie! it :A"#ino, &r. v.
Enri$e, 37 SCRA 68= I674@J;.

T(e tr)ns1ripts o% t(e !e$i*er)tions o% t(e Constit#tion)$ Co//ission o% 6782 on t(e
/e)nin- o% t(e +or! B)-ri1#$t#r)$,B 1$e)r$, s(o+ t()t it +)s never t(e intention o% t(e %r)/ers
o% t(e Constit#tion to in1$#!e $ivesto15 )n! po#$tr, in!#str, in t(e 1over)-e o% t(e
1onstit#tion)$$,?/)n!)te! )-r)ri)n re%or/ pro-r)/ o% t(e Govern/ent.

T(e Co//ittee )!opte! t(e !e%inition o% B)-ri1#$t#r)$ $)n!B )s !e%ine! #n!er Se1tion 622
o% R.A. =8@@, )s $)#! !evote! to )n, -ro+t(, in1$#!in- *#t not $i/ite! to 1rop $)n!s, s)$t*e!s,
%is(pon!s, i!$e )n! )*)n!one! $)n! :Re1or!, CONCOM, A#-#st 4, 6782, Ko$. , p. 66;.

T(e intention o% t(e Co//ittee is to $i/it t(e )pp$i1)tion o% t(e +or! B)-ri1#$t#re.B
Co//issioner &)/ir propose! to insert t(e +or! BARABLEB to !istin-#is( t(is 5in! o%
)-ri1#$t#r)$ $)n! %ro/ s#1( $)n!s )s 1o//er1i)$ )n! in!#stri)$ $)n!s )n! resi!enti)$ properties
*e1)#se )$$ o% t(e/ %)$$ #n!er t(e -ener)$ 1$)ssi%i1)tion o% t(e +or! B)-ri1#$t#r)$B. T(is
propos)$, (o+ever, +)s not 1onsi!ere! *e1)#se t(e Co//ittee 1onte/p$)te! t()t )-ri1#$t#r)$
$)n!s )re $i/ite! to )r)*$e )n! s#it)*$e )-ri1#$t#r)$ $)n!s )n! t(ere%ore, !o not in1$#!e
1o//er1i)$, in!#stri)$ )n! resi!enti)$ $)n!s :Re1or!, CONCOM, A#-#st 4, 6782, Ko$. , p. =9;.

n t(e interpe$$)tion, t(en Co//issioner Re-)$)!o :no+ ) S#pre/e Co#rt &#sti1e;, pose!
sever)$ "#estions, )/on- ot(ers, "#ote! )s %o$$o+s'

CCC CCC CCC
BLine 67 re%ers to -en#ine re%or/ pro-r)/ %o#n!e! on t(e pri/)r, ri-(t o% %)r/ers )n!
%)r/+or5ers. +on!er i% it /e)ns t()t $e)se(o$! ten)n1, is t(ere*, pros1ri*e! #n!er t(is
provision *e1)#se it spe)5s o% t(e pri/)r, ri-(t o% %)r/ers )n! %)r/+or5ers to o+n !ire1t$, or
1o$$e1tive$, t(e $)n!s t(e, ti$$. As )$so /entione! *, Co//issioner T)!eo, %)r/+or5ers in1$#!e
t(ose +(o +or5 in pi--eries )n! po#$tr, pro0e1ts.
+)s +on!erin- +(et(er )/ +ron- in /, )ppre1i)tion t()t i% so/e*o!, p#ts #p ) pi--er, or
) po#$tr, pro0e1t )n! %or t()t p#rpose (ires %)r/+or5ers t(erein, t(ese %)r/+or5ers +i$$
)#to/)ti1)$$, ()ve t(e ri-(t to o+n event#)$$,, !ire1t$, or #$ti/)te$, or 1o$$e1tive$,, t(e $)n! on
+(i1( t(e pi--eries )n! po#$tr, pro0e1ts +ere 1onstr#1te!. :Re1or!, CONCOM, A#-#st <, 6782,
p. 268;.
CCC CCC CCC
T(e "#estions +ere )ns+ere! )n! eCp$)ine! in t(e st)te/ent o% t(en Co//issioner
T)!eo, "#ote! )s %o$$o+s'

CCC CCC CCC
BS) p)n-)$)+)n- 5)t)n#n-)n n- Ginoo ), /e!,o (in!i 5)/i n)-5)#n)+))n. pin)))$)/ 5o 5),
Co//issioner Re-)$)!o n) (in!i n)/in ini$)-), )n- )-ri1#$t#r)$ +or5er s) 5)!)(i$)n)n-
5)s)/) rito )n- pi--er,, po#$tr, )t $ivesto15 +or5ers. An- ini$)-), n)/in !ito ), %)r/ +or5er
5),) (in!i 5)s)/) )n- pi--er,, po#$tr, )t $ivesto15 +or5ers :Re1or!, CONCOM, A#-#st <, 6782,
Ko$. , p. 2<6;.
t is evi!ent %ro/ t(e %ore-oin- !is1#ssion t()t Se1tion o% R.A. 2234 +(i1( in1$#!es
Bpriv)te )-ri1#$t#r)$ $)n!s !evote! to 1o//er1i)$ $ivesto15, po#$tr, )n! s+ine r)isin-B in t(e
!e%inition o% B1o//er1i)$ %)r/sB is inv)$i!, to t(e eCtent t()t t(e )%ore1ite! )-ro?in!#stri)$
)1tivities )re /)!e to *e 1overe! *, t(e )-r)ri)n re%or/ pro-r)/ o% t(e St)te. T(ere is si/p$,
no re)son to in1$#!e $ivesto15 )n! po#$tr, $)n!s in t(e 1over)-e o% )-r)ri)n re%or/. :Ro$$o, p.
<6;.

Hen1e, t(ere is /erit in L#> F)r/sA )r-#/ent t()t t(e re"#ire/ent in Se1tions 6= )n! =< o%
R.A. 2234 !ire1tin- B1orpor)te %)r/sB +(i1( in1$#!e $ivesto15 )n! po#$tr, r)isers to eCe1#te )n!
i/p$e/ent Bpro!#1tion?s()rin- p$)nsB :pen!in- %in)$ re!istri*#tion o% t(eir $)n!(o$!in-s;
+(ere*, t(e, )re 1)$$e! #pon to !istri*#te %ro/ t(ree per1ent :=F; o% t(eir -ross s)$es )n! ten
per1ent :69F; o% t(eir net pro%its to t(eir +or5ers )s )!!ition)$ 1o/pens)tion is #nre)son)*$e
%or *ein- 1on%is1)tor,, )n! t(ere%ore vio$)tive o% !#e pro1ess :Ro$$o, p. <6;.

t ()s *een est)*$is(e! t()t t(is Co#rt +i$$ )ss#/e 0#ris!i1tion over ) 1onstit#tion)$
"#estion on$, i% it is s(o+n t()t t(e essenti)$ re"#isites o% ) 0#!i1i)$ in"#ir, into s#1( ) "#estion
)re %irst s)tis%ie!. T(#s, t(ere /#st *e )n )1t#)$ 1)se or 1ontrovers, invo$vin- ) 1on%$i1t o% $e-)$
ri-(ts s#s1epti*$e o% 0#!i1i)$ !eter/in)tion, t(e 1onstit#tion)$ "#estion /#st ()ve *een
opport#ne$, r)ise! *, t(e proper p)rt,, )n! t(e reso$#tion o% t(e "#estion is #n)voi!)*$,
ne1ess)r, to t(e !e1ision o% t(e 1)se itse$% :Asso1i)tion o% S/)$$ L)n!o+ners o% t(e P(i$ippines,
n1. v. Se1ret)r, o% A-r)ri)n Re%or/, G.R. 484@<L A1#n) v. Arro,o, G.R. 47=69L P)*i1o v. &#i1o,
G.R. 474@@L M)n)), v. &#i1o, G.R. 47444, 6@ &#$, 6787, 643 SCRA =@=;.

Ho+ever, !espite t(e in(i*itions pressin- #pon t(e Co#rt +(en 1on%ronte! +it(
1onstit#tion)$ iss#es, it +i$$ not (esit)te to !e1$)re ) $)+ or )1t inv)$i! +(en it is 1onvin1e! t()t
t(is /#st *e !one. n )rrivin- )t t(is 1on1$#sion, its on$, 1riterion +i$$ *e t(e Constit#tion )n!
Go! )s its 1ons1ien1e -ives it in t(e $i-(t to pro*e its /e)nin- )n! !is1over its p#rpose.
Person)$ /otives )n! po$iti1)$ 1onsi!er)tions )re irre$ev)n1ies t()t 1)nnot in%$#en1e its
!e1isions. B$)n!is(/ent is )s ine%%e1t#)$ )s inti/i!)tion, %or )$$ t(e )+eso/e po+er o% t(e
Con-ress )n! ECe1#tive, t(e Co#rt +i$$ not (esit)te Bto /)5e t(e ()//er %)$$ (e)vi$,,B +(ere
t(e )1ts o% t(ese !ep)rt/ents, or o% )n, o%%i1i)$, *etr), t(e peop$eAs +i$$ )s eCpresse! in t(e
Constit#tion :Asso1i)tion o% S/)$$ L)n!o+ners o% t(e P(i$ippines, n1. v. Se1ret)r, o% A-r)ri)n
Re%or/, G.R. 484@<L A1#n) v. Arro,o, G.R. 47=69L P)*i1o v. &#i1o, G.R. 474@@L M)n)), v. &#i1o,
G.R. 47444, 6@ &#$, 6787;.

T(#s, +(ere t(e $e-is$)t#re or t(e eCe1#tive )1ts *e,on! t(e s1ope o% its 1onstit#tion)$ po+ers,
it *e1o/es t(e !#t, o% t(e 0#!i1i)r, to !e1$)re +()t t(e ot(er *r)n1(es o% t(e -overn/ent ()!
)ss#/e! to !o, )s voi!. T(is is t(e essen1e o% 0#!i1i)$ po+er 1on%erre! *, t(e Constit#tion B:;n
one S#pre/e Co#rt )n! in s#1( $o+er 1o#rts )s /), *e est)*$is(e! *, $)+B :Art. K, Se1tion 6
o% t(e 67=3 Constit#tionL Arti1$e G, Se1tion o% t(e 674= Constit#tion )n! +(i1( +)s )!opte! )s
p)rt o% t(e Free!o/ Constit#tion, )n! Arti1$e K, Se1tion 6 o% t(e 6784 Constit#tion; )n! +(i1(
po+er t(is Co#rt ()s eCer1ise! in /)n, inst)n1es :De/etri) v. A$*), 6@8 SCRA <98 I6784J;.

PREMSES CONSDERED, t(e inst)nt petition is (ere*, GRANTED. Se1tions =:*;, 66, 6= )n!
=< o% R.A. No. 2234 inso%)r )s t(e in1$#sion o% t(e r)isin- o% $ivesto15, po#$tr, )n! s+ine in its
1over)-e )s +e$$ )s t(e /p$e/entin- R#$es )n! G#i!e$ines pro/#$-)te! in )11or!)n1e
t(ere+it(, )re (ere*, DECLARED n#$$ )n! voi! %or *ein- #n1onstit#tion)$ )n! t(e +rit o%
pre$i/in)r, in0#n1tion iss#e! is (ere*, MADE per/)nent.

SO ORDERED.

Fern)n :C.&.;, N)rv)s), Me$en1io?Herrer), G#tierre>, &r., Cr#>, G)n1),1o, P)!i$$), Bi!in,
GriMo?A"#ino, Me!i)$!e) )n! Re-)$)!o, &&., 1on1#r.

Fe$i1i)no, &., is on $e)ve.



Sep)r)te Opinions

SARMENTO, &., 1on1#rrin-'

)-ree t()t t(e petition *e -r)nte!.

t is /, opinion (o+ever t()t t(e /)in iss#e on t(e v)$i!it, o% t(e )ss)i$e! provisions o%
R.A. 2234 :t(e Co/pre(ensive A-r)ri)n Re%or/ L)+ o% 6788; )n! its /p$e/entin- R#$es )n!
G#i!e$ines inso%)r )s t(e, in1$#!e t(e r)isin- o% $ivesto15, po#$tr,, )n! s+ine in t(eir 1over)-e
1)n not *e si/p$isti1)$$, re!#1e! to ) "#estion o% 1onstit#tion)$ 1onstr#1tion.

t is ) +e$$?sett$e! r#$e t()t 1onstr#1tion )n! interpret)tion 1o/e on$, )%ter it ()s *een
!e/onstr)te! t()t )pp$i1)tion is i/possi*$e or in)!e"#)te +it(o#t t(e/. A 1$ose re)!in-
(o+ever o% t(e 1onstit#tion)$ teCt in point, spe1i%i1)$$,, Se1. @, Art. G, p)rti1#$)r$, t(e p(r)se,
B. . . in 1)se o% ot(er %)r/+or5ers, to re1eive ) 0#st s()re o% t(e %r#its t(ereo%,B provi!es ) *)sis
%or t(e 1$e)r )n! possi*$e 1over)-e o% $ivesto15, po#$tr,, )n! s+ine r)isin- +it(in t(e )/*it o%
t(e 1o/pre(ensive )-r)ri)n re%or/ pro-r)/. T(is )11or!s +it( t(e prin1ip$e t()t ever,
pres#/ption s(o#$! *e in!#$-e! in %)vor o% t(e 1onstit#tion)$it, o% ) st)t#te )n! t(e 1o#rt in
1onsi!erin- t(e v)$i!it, o% ) st)t#te s(o#$! -ive it s#1( re)son)*$e 1onstr#1tion )s 1)n *e
re)1(e! to *rin- it +it(in t(e %#n!)/ent)$ $)+. 6

T(e pres#/ption )-)inst #n1onstit#tion)$it,, /#st s),, )ss#/es -re)ter +ei-(t +(en )
r#$in- to t(e 1ontr)r, +o#$!, in e%%e1t, !e%e)t t(e $)#!)*$e )n! no*$e p#rpose o% t(e $)+, i.e.,
t(e +e$%)re o% t(e $)n!$ess %)r/ers )n! %)r/+or5ers in t(e pro/otion o% so1i)$ 0#sti1e, *, t(e
eCpe!ient 1onversion o% )-ri1#$t#r)$ $)n!s into $ivesto15, po#$tr,, )n! s+ine r)isin- *, s1(e/in-
$)n!o+ners, t(#s, ren!erin- t(e 1o/pre(ensive n)t#re o% t(e )-r)ri)n pro-r)/ /ere$, i$$#sor,.

T(e inst)nt 1ontrovers,, s#*/it, *oi$s !o+n to t(e "#estion o% +(et(er or not t(e
)ss)i$e! provisions vio$)te t(e e"#)$ prote1tion 1$)#se o% t(e Constit#tion :Arti1$e , se1tion 6;
+(i1( te)1(es si/p$, t()t )$$ persons or t(in-s si/i$)r$, sit#)te! s(o#$! *e tre)te! )$i5e, *ot(
)s to ri-(ts 1on%erre! )n! responsi*i$ities i/pose!. <

T(ere is /erit in t(e 1ontention o% t(e petitioner t()t s#*st)nti)$ !istin1tions eCist
*et+een $)n! !ire1te! p#re$, to 1#$tiv)tion )n! ()rvestin- o% %r#its or 1rops )n! $)n!
eC1$#sive$, #se! %or $ivesto15, po#$tr, )n! s+ine r)isin-, t()t /)5e re)$ !i%%eren1es, to +it'

CCC CCC CCC
No $)n! is ti$$e! )n! no 1rop is ()rveste! in $ivesto15 )n! po#$tr, %)r/in-. T(ere )re no ten)nts
nor $)n!$or!s, on$, e/p$o,ers )n! e/p$o,ees.
Livesto15 )n! po#$tr, !o not spro#t %ro/ $)n! nor )re t(e, B%r#its o% t(e $)n!.B
L)n! is not even ) pri/)r, reso#r1e in t(is in!#str,. T(e $)n! inp#t is in1onse"#enti)$ t()t )$$
t(e 1o//er1i)$ (o- )n! po#$tr, %)r/s 1o/*ine! o11#p, $ess t()n one per1ent :6F; :9.@F %or
pi--er,, 9.<F %or po#$tr,; o% t(e 3.@3 /i$$ion (e1t)res o% $)n! s#ppose!$, 1overe! *, t(e CARP.
An! /ost %)r/s #ti$i>e on$, < to 3 (e1t)res o% $)n!.
n ever, respe1t $ivesto15 )n! po#$tr, pro!#1tion is )n in!#stri)$ )1tivit,. ts #se o% )n
in1onse"#enti)$ portion o% $)n! is ) /ere in1i!ent o% its oper)tion, )s in )n, ot(er #n!ert)5in-,
*#siness or ot(er+ise.
T(e %)$$)1, o% !e%inin- $ivesto15 )n! po#$tr, pro!#1tion )s )n )-ri1#$t#r)$ enterprise is no+(ere
/ore evi!ent +(en one 1onsi!ers t()t )t $e)st 73F o% tot)$ invest/ent in t(ese %)r/s is in t(e
%or/ o% %iCe! )ssets +(i1( )re in!#stri)$ in n)t#re.
T(ese in1$#!e :6; )ni/)$ (o#sin- str#1t#res )n! %)1i$ities 1o/p$ete +it( !r)in)-e, +)terers,
*$o+ers, /isters )n! in so/e 1)ses even pipe!?in /#si1L :<; %ee!/i$$s 1o/p$ete +it( -rin!ers,
/iCers, 1onve,ors, eC()#sts, -ener)tors, et1.L :=; eCtensive +)re(o#sin- %)1i$ities %or %ee!s )n!
ot(er s#pp$iesL :@; )nti?po$$#tion e"#ip/ent s#1( )s *io?-)s )n! !i-ester p$)nts )#-/ente! *,
$)-oons )n! 1on1rete pon!sL :3; !eep+e$$s, e$ev)te! +)ter t)n5s, p#/p(o#ses )n! )11essor,
%)1i$itiesL :2; /o!ern e"#ip/ent s#1( )s spr),ers, pre-n)n1, testers, et1.L :4; $)*or)tor,
%)1i$ities 1o/p$ete +it( eCpensive too$s )n! e"#ip/entL )n! ) /,ri)! ot(er s#1(
te1(no$o-i1)$$, )!v)n1e! )pp#rt)n1es.
Ho+ t(en 1)n $ivesto15 )n! po#$tr, %)r/$)n!s *e )r)*$e +(en s#1( )re )$/ost tot)$$, o11#pie!
*, t(ese str#1t#resN
T(e %)$$)1, o% e"#)tin- t(e st)t#s o% $ivesto15 )n! po#$tr, %)r/+or5ers +it( t()t o% )-ri1#$t#r)$
ten)nts s#r%)1es +(en one 1onsi!ers 1ontri*#tion to o#tp#t. L)*or 1ost o% $ivesto15 )n! po#$tr,
%)r/s is no /ore t()n @F o% tot)$ oper)tin- 1ost. T(e 78F *)$)n1e represents inp#ts not
o*t)ine! %ro/ t(e $)n! nor provi!e! *, t(e %)r/+or5ers D inp#ts s#1( )s %ee!s )n!
*io1(e/i1)$s :89F o% t(e tot)$ 1ost;, po+er 1ost, 1ost o% /one, )n! sever)$ ot(ers.
Moreover, $ivesto15 )n! po#$tr, %)r/+or5ers )re 1overe! *, /ini/#/ +)-e $)+ r)t(er t()n *,
ten)n1, $)+. T(e, )re entit$e! to so1i)$ se1#rit, *ene%its +(ere ten)nt?%)r/ers )re not. T(e,
)re p)i! %iCe! +)-es r)t(er t()n 1rop s()res. An! )s in )n, ot(er in!#str,, t(e, re1eive
)!!ition)$ *ene%its s#1( )s )$$o+)n1es, *on#ses, )n! ot(er in1entives s#1( )s %ree (o#sin-
privi$e-es, $i-(t )n! +)ter.
E"#)tin- $ivesto15 )n! po#$tr, %)r/in- +it( ot(er )-ri1#$t#r)$ )1tivities is )$so %)$$)1io#s in t(e
sense t()t $i5e t(e /)n#%)1t#rin- se1tor, it is ) /)r5et %or, r)t(er t()n ) so#r1e o% )-ri1#$t#r)$
o#tp#t. At $e)st 29F o% t(e entire !o/esti1 s#pp$, o% 1orn is )*sor*e! *, $ivesto15 )n! po#$tr,
%)r/s. So )re t(e *,?pro!#1ts o% ri1e :ri1e?*r)n;, 1o1on#t :1opr) /e)$;, *)n)n) :*)n)n) p#$p
/e)$;, )n! %is( :%is( /e)$;. =
CCC CCC CCC
n vie+ o% t(e %ore-oin-, it is 1$e)r t()t *ot( 5in!s o% $)n!s )re not si/i$)r$, sit#)te! )n!
(en1e, 1)n not *e tre)te! )$i5e. T(ere%ore, t(e )ss)i$e! provisions +(i1( )$$o+ %or t(e in1$#sion
o% $ivesto15 )n! po#$tr, in!#str, +it(in t(e 1over)-e o% t(e )-r)ri)n re%or/ pro-r)/ 1onstit#te
inv)$i! 1$)ssi%i1)tion )n! /#st )11or!in-$, *e str#15 !o+n )s rep#-n)nt to t(e e"#)$ prote1tion
1$)#se o% t(e Constit#tion.


Rep#*$i1 o% t(e P(i$ippines
SUPREME COURT
M)ni$)

EN BANC



G.R. No. 699976 O1to*er <<, 677<

CENTRAL MNDANAO UNKERSTY REPRESENTED TS PRESDENT DR. LEONARDO A. CHUA,
petitioner,
vs.
THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRARAN REFORM AD&UDCATON BOARD, THE COURT OF APPEALS )n!
ALKN OBROUE, REPRESENTNG BUPDNON FREE FARMERS AGRCULTURAL LABORERS
ORGANZATON :BUFFALO;, respon!ents.



CAMPOS, &R., &.'

T(is is ) Petition %or Revie+ on Certior)ri #n!er R#$e 23 o% t(e R#$es o% Co#rt to n#$$i%, t(e
pro1ee!in-s )n! !e1ision o% t(e Dep)rt/ent o% A-r)ri)n Re%or/ A!0#!i1)tion Bo)r! :DARAB %or
*revit,; !)te! Septe/*er @, 6787 )n! to set )si!e t(e !e1ision t(e !e1ision Q o% t(e Co#rt o%
Appe)$s !)te! A#-#st <9, 6779, )%%ir/in- t(e !e1ision o% t(e DARAB +(i1( or!ere! t(e
se-re-)tion o% @99 (e1t)res o% s#it)*$e, 1o/p)1t )n! 1onti-#o#s portions o% t(e Centr)$
Min!)n)o Universit, :CMU %or *revit,; $)n! )n! t(eir in1$#sion in t(e Co/pre(ensive A-r)ri)n
Re%or/ Pro-r)/ :CARP %or *revit,; %or !istri*#tion to "#)$i%ie! *ene%i1i)ries, on t(e -ro#n! o%
$)15 o% 0#ris!i1tion.

T(is 1)se ori-in)te! in ) 1o/p$)int %i$e! *, 1o/p$)in)nts 1)$$in- t(e/se$ves )s t(e B#5i!non
Free F)r/ers )n! A-ri1#$t#r)$ L)*orers Or-)ni>)tion :BUFFALO %or *revit,; #n!er t(e
$e)!ers(ip o% A$vin O*ri"#e )n! L#is Her/oso )-)inst t(e CMU, *e%ore t(e Dep)rt/ent o%
A-r)ri)n Re%or/ %or De1$)r)tion o% St)t#s )s Ten)nts, #n!er t(e CARP.

Fro/ t(e re1or!s, t(e %o$$o+in- %)1ts )re evi!ent. T(e petitioner, t(e CMU, is )n )-ri1#$t#r)$
e!#1)tion)$ instit#tion o+ne! )n! r#n *, t(e st)te $o1)te! in t(e to+n o% M#s#)n, B#5i!non
provin1e. t st)rte! )s ) %)r/ s1(oo$ )t M)ri$)n-, B#5i!non in e)r$, 6769, in response to t(e
p#*$i1 !e/)n! %or )n )-ri1#$t#r)$ s1(oo$ in Min!)n)o. t eCp)n!e! into t(e B#5i!non N)tion)$
A-ri1#$t#r)$ Hi-( S1(oo$ )n! +)s tr)ns%erre! to its ne+ site in M)n)-o5 ne)r M)$),*)$),, t(e
provin1i)$ 1)pit)$ o% B#5i!non.

n t(e e)r$, 6729As, it +)s 1onverte! into ) 1o$$e-e +it( 1)/p#s )t M#s#)n, #nti$ it *e1)/e
+()t is no+ 5no+n )s t(e CMU, *#t sti$$ pri/)ri$, )n )-ri1#$t#r)$ #niversit,. Fro/ its *e-innin-,
t(e s1(oo$ +)s t(e )ns+er to t(e 1r,in- nee! %or tr)inin- peop$e in or!er to !eve$op t(e
)-ri1#$t#r)$ potenti)$ o% t(e is$)n! o% Min!)n)o. T(ose +(o p$)nne! )n! est)*$is(e! t(e s1(oo$
()! ) vision )s to t(e %#t#re !eve$op/ent o% t()t p)rt o% t(e P(i$ippines. On &)n#)r, 62, 6738
t(e Presi!ent o% t(e Rep#*$i1 o% t(e P(i$ippines, t(e $)te C)r$os P. G)r1i), B#pon t(e
re1o//en!)tion o% t(e Se1ret)r, o% A-ri1#$t#re )n! N)t#r)$ Reso#r1es, )n! p#rs#)nt to t(e
provisions o% Se1tion 3=, o% Co//on+e)$t( A1t No. 6@6, )s )/en!e!B, iss#e! Pro1$)/)tion No.
@42, +it(!r)+in- %ro/ s)$e or sett$e/ent )n! reservin- %or t(e Min!)n)o A-ri1#$t#r)$ Co$$e-e,
) site +(i1( +o#$! *e t(e %#t#re 1)/p#s o% +()t is no+ t(e CMU. A tot)$ $)n! )re) 1o/prisin-
=,989 (e1t)res +)s s#rve,e! )n! re-istere! )n! tit$e! in t(e n)/e o% t(e petitioner #n!er OCT
Nos. 629, 626 )n! 62<. 6

n t(e 1o#rse o% t(e 1)!)str)$ (e)rin- o% t(e s1(oo$As petition %or re-istr)tion o% t(e
)%ore/entione! -r)nt o% )-ri1#$t#r)$ $)n!, sever)$ tri*es *e$on-in- to 1#$t#r)$ 1o//#nities,
oppose! t(e petition 1$)i/in- o+ners(ip o% 1ert)in )n1estr)$ $)n!s %or/in- p)rt o% t(e tri*)$
reserv)tions. So/e o% t(e 1$)i/s +ere -r)nte! so t()t +()t +)s tit$e! to t(e present petitioner
s1(oo$ +)s re!#1e! %ro/ =,@96 (e1t)res to =,989 (e1t)res.

n t(e e)r$, 6729As, t(e st#!ent pop#$)tion o% t(e s1(oo$ +)s $ess t()n =,999. B, 6788, t(e
st#!ent pop#$)tion ()! eCp)n!e! to so/e 6=,999 st#!ents, so t()t t(e s1(oo$ 1o//#nit, ()s
)n )1)!e/i1 pop#$)tion :st#!ent, %)1#$t, )n! non?)1)!e/i1 st)%%; o% )$/ost 63,999. To 1ope
+it( t(e in1re)se in its enro$$/ent, it ()s eCp)n!e! )n! i/prove! its e!#1)tion)$ %)1i$ities
p)rt$, %ro/ -overn/ent )ppropri)tion )n! p)rt$, *, se$%?(e$p /e)s#res.

Tr#e to t(e 1on1ept o% ) $)n! -r)nt 1o$$e-e, t(e s1(oo$ e/*)r5e! on se$%?(e$p /e)s#res to 1)rr,
o#t its e!#1)tion)$ o*0e1tives, tr)in its st#!ents, )n! /)int)in v)rio#s )1tivities +(i1( t(e
-overn/ent )ppropri)tion 1o#$! not )!e"#)te$, s#pport or s#st)in. n 678@, t(e CMU )pprove!
Reso$#tion No. 629, )!optin- ) $ive$i(oo! pro-r)/ 1)$$e! BPi$#s)n- S)ri$in- Si5)p Pro-r)/B
#n!er +(i1( t(e $)n! reso#r1es o% t(e Universit, +ere $e)se! to its %)1#$t, )n! e/p$o,ees. T(is
)rr)n-e/ent +)s 1overe! *, ) +ritten 1ontr)1t. Un!er t(is pro-r)/ t(e %)1#$t, )n! st)%%
1o/*ine t(e/se$ves to -ro#ps o% %ive /e/*ers e)1(, )n! t(e CMU provi!e! te1(ni1)$ 5no+?
(o+, pr)1ti1)$ tr)inin- )n! )$$ 5in!s o% )ssist)n1e, to en)*$e e)1( -ro#p to 1#$tiv)te @ to 3
(e1t)res o% $)n! %or t(e $o+$)n! ri1e pro0e1t. E)1( -ro#p p),s t(e CMU ) servi1e %ee )n! )$so )
$)n! #se p)rti1ip)ntAs %ee. T(e 1ontr)1t pro(i*its p)rti1ip)nts )n! t(eir (ire! +or5ers to
est)*$is( (o#ses or $ive in t(e pro0e1t )re) )n! to #se t(e 1#$tiv)te! $)n! )s ) 1o$$)ter)$ %or )n,
5in! o% $o)n. t +)s eCpress$, stip#$)te! t()t no $)n!$or!?ten)nt re$)tions(ip eCiste! *et+een
t(e CMU )n! t(e %)1#$t, )n!.or e/p$o,ees. T(is p)rti1#$)r pro-r)/ +)s 1on1eive! )s ) /#$ti?
!is1ip$in)r, )pp$ie! rese)r1( eCtension )n! pro!#1tivit, pro-r)/ to #ti$i>e )v)i$)*$e $)n!, tr)in
peop$e in /o!ern )-ri1#$t#r)$ te1(no$o-, )n! )t t(e s)/e ti/e -ive t(e %)1#$t, )n! st)%%
opport#nities +it(in t(e 1on%ines o% t(e CMU reserv)tion to e)rn )!!ition)$ in1o/e to )#-/ent
t(eir s)$)ries. T(e $o1)tion o% t(e CMU )t M#s#)n, B#5i!non, +(i1( is "#ite ) !ist)n1e %ro/ t(e
ne)rest to+n, +)s t(e proper settin- %or t(e )!option o% s#1( ) pro-r)/. A/on- t(e
p)rti1ip)nts in t(is pro-r)/ +ere A$vin O*ri"#e, Fe$iC G#in)n)o, &oven C)*)$$ero, Nestor P#$)o,
D)ni$o K)s"#e>, Aronio Pe$),o )n! ot(er 1o/p$)in)nts. O*ri"#e +)s ) P(,si1s nstr#1tor )t t(e
CMU +(i$e t(e ot(ers +ere e/p$o,ees in t(e $o+$)n! ri1e pro0e1t. T(e ot(er 1o/p$)in)nts +(o
+ere not /e/*ers o% t(e %)1#$t, or non?)1)!e/i1 st)%% CMU, +ere (ire! +or5ers or $)*orers o%
t(e p)rti1ip)nts in t(is pro-r)/. E(en petitioner Dr. Leon)r!o C(#) *e1)/e Presi!ent o% t(e
CMU in &#$, 6782, (e !is1ontin#e! t(e )-ri?*#siness pro0e1t %or t(e pro!#1tion o% ri1e, 1orn )n!
s#-)r 1)ne 5no+n )s A-ri?B#siness M)n)-e/ent )n! Tr)inin- Pro0e1t, !#e to $osses in1#rre!
+(i$e 1)rr,in- on t(e s)i! pro0e1t. So/e CMU personne$, )/on- +(o/ +ere t(e 1o/p$)in)nts,
+ere $)i!?o%% +(en t(is pro0e1t +)s !is1ontin#e!. As Assist)nt Dire1tor o% t(is )-ri?*#siness
pro0e1t, O*ri"#e +)s %o#n! -#i$t, o% /is()n!$in- t(e CMU %#n!s )n! +)s sep)r)te! %ro/
servi1e *, virt#e o% ECe1#tive Or!er No. 64, t(e re?or-)ni>)tion $)+ o% t(e CMU.

So/eti/e in 6782, #n!er Dr. C(#) )s Presi!ent, t(e CMU $)#n1(e! ) se$%?(e$p pro0e1t 1)$$e!
CMU?n1o/e En()n1e/ent Pro-r)/ :CMU?EP; to !eve$op #n#ti$i>e! $)n! reso#r1es, /o*i$i>e
)n! pro/ote t(e spirit o% se$%?re$i)n1e, provi!e so1io?e1ono/i1 )n! te1(ni1)$ tr)inin- in )1t#)$
%ie$! pro0e1t i/p$e/ent)tion )n! )#-/ent t(e in1o/e o% t(e %)1#$t, )n! t(e st)%%.

Un!er t(e ter/s o% ) =?p)rt, Me/or)n!#/ o% A-ree/ent < )/on- t(e CMU, t(e CMU?
nte-r)te! Deve$op/ent Fo#n!)tion :CMU?DF; )n! -ro#ps or Bse$!)sB o% 3 CMU e/p$o,ees,
t(e CMU +o#$! provi!e t(e #se o% @ to 3 (e1t)res o% $)n! to ) se$!) %or one :6; 1)$en!)r ,e)r.
T(e CMU?DF +o#$! provi!e rese)r1(ers )n! spe1i)$ists to )ssist in t(e prep)r)tion o% pro0e1t
propos)$s )n! to /onitor )n! )n)$,>e pro0e1t i/p$e/ent)tion. T(e se$!) in t#rn +o#$! p), to
t(e CMU P699 )s servi1e %ee )n! P6,999 per (e1t)re )s p)rti1ip)ntAs $)n! rent)$ %ee. n )!!ition,
@99 5i$o-r)/s o% t(e pro!#1e per ,e)r +o#$! *e t#rne! over or !on)te! to t(e CMU?DF. T(e
p)rti1ip)nts )-ree! not to )$$o+ t(eir (ire! $)*orers or /e/*er o% t(eir %)/i$, to est)*$is( )n,
(o#se or $ive +it(in vi1init, o% t(e pro0e1t )re) )n! not to #se t(e )$$o1)te! $ot )s 1o$$)ter)$ %or
) $o)n. t +)s eCpress$, provi!e! t()t no ten)nt?$)n!$or! re$)tions(ip +o#$! eCist )s ) res#$t o%
t(e A-ree/ent.

niti)$$,, p)rti1ip)tion in t(e CMU?EP +)s eCten!e! on$, to +or5ers )n! st)%% /e/*ers +(o
+ere sti$$ e/p$o,e! +it( t(e CMU )n! +)s not /)!e )v)i$)*$e to %or/er +or5ers or
e/p$o,ees. n t(e /i!!$e o% 6784, to 1#s(ion t(e i/p)1t o% t(e !is1ontin#)n1e o% t(e ri1e, 1orn
)n! s#-)r 1)ne pro0e1t on t(e $ives o% its %or/er +or5ers, t(e CMU )$$o+e! t(e/ to p)rti1ip)te
in t(e CMU?EP )s spe1i)$ p)rti1ip)nts.

Un!er t(e ter/s o% ) 1ontr)1t 1)$$e! A!!en!#/ To ECistin- Me/or)n!#/ o% A-ree/ent
Con1ernin- P)rti1ip)tion To t(e CMU?n1o/e En()n1e/ent Pro-r)/, = ) %or/er e/p$o,ee
+o#$! *e -ro#pe! +it( )n eCistin- se$!) o% (is 1(oi1e )n! provi!e! one :6; (e1t)re %or )
$o+$)n! ri1e pro0e1t %or one :6; 1)$en!)r ,e)r. He +o#$! p), t(e $)n! rent)$ p)rti1ip)ntAs %ee o%
P6,999.99 per (e1t)re *#t on ) 1()r-e?to?1rop *)sis. He +o#$! )$so *e s#*0e1t to t(e s)/e
pro(i*itions )s t(ose i/pose! on t(e CMU e/p$o,ees. t +)s )$so eCpress$, provi!e! t()t no
ten)nt?$)n!$or! re$)tions(ip +o#$! eCist )s ) res#$t o% t(e A-ree/ent.

T(e one?,e)r 1ontr)1ts eCpire! on &#ne =9, 6788. So/e 1ontr)1ts +ere rene+e!. T(ose +(ose
1ontr)1ts +ere not rene+e! +ere serve! +it( noti1es to v)1)te.

T(e non?rene+)$ o% t(e 1ontr)1ts, t(e !is1ontin#)n1e o% t(e ri1e, 1orn )n! s#-)r 1)ne pro0e1t,
t(e $oss o% 0o*s !#e to ter/in)tion or sep)r)tion %ro/ t(e servi1e )n! t(e )$$e-e! ()r)ss/ent
*, s1(oo$ )#t(orities, )$$ 1ontri*#te! to, )n! pre1ipit)te! t(e %i$in- o% t(e 1o/p$)int.

On t(e *)sis o% t(e )*ove %)1ts, t(e DARAB %o#n! t()t t(e priv)te respon!ents +ere not
ten)nts )n! 1)nnot t(ere%ore *e *ene%i1i)ries #n!er t(e CARP. At t(e s)/e ti/e, t(e DARAB
or!ere! t(e se-re-)tion o% @99 (e1t)res o% s#it)*$e, 1o/p)1t )n! 1onti-#o#s portions o% t(e
CMU $)n! )n! t(eir in1$#sion in t(e CARP %or !istri*#tion to "#)$i%ie! *ene%i1i)ries.

T(e petitioner CMU, in see5in- ) revie+ o% t(e !e1isions o% t(e respon!ents DARAB )n! t(e
Co#rt o% Appe)$s, r)ise! t(e %o$$o+in- iss#es'

6.; E(et(er or not t(e DARAB ()s 0#ris!i1tion to (e)r )n! !e1i!e C)se No. 993 %or
De1$)r)tion o% St)t#s o% Ten)nts )n! 1over)-e o% $)n! #n!er t(e CARP.

<.; E(et(er or not respon!ent Co#rt o% Appe)$s 1o//itte! serio#s errors )n! -r)ve )*#se
o% !is1retion )/o#ntin- to $)15 o% 0#ris!i1tion in !is/issin- t(e Petition %or Revie+ on Certior)ri
)n! )%%ir/in- t(e !e1ision o% DARAB.

n t(eir 1o/p$)int, !o15ete! )s DAR C)se No. 3, %i$e! +it( t(e DARAB, 1o/p$)in)nts O*ri"#e, et
)$. 1$)i/e! t()t t(e, )re ten)nts o% t(e CMU )n!.or $)n!$ess pe)s)nts 1$)i/in-.o11#p,in- )
p)rt or portion o% t(e CMU sit#)te! )t Sin)$),)n, K)$en1i), B#5i!non )n! M#s#)n, B#5i!non,
1onsistin- o% )*o#t 6,<99 (e1t)res. Ee )-ree +it( t(e DARABAs %in!in- t()t O*ri"#e, et. )$. )re
not ten)nts. Un!er t(e ter/s o% t(e +ritten )-ree/ent si-ne! *, O*ri"#e, et. )$., p#rs#)nt to
t(e $ive$i(oo! pro-r)/ 1)$$e! BPi$#s)n- S)ri$in- Si5)p Pro-r)/B, it +)s eCpress$, stip#$)te! t()t
no $)n!$or!?ten)nt re$)tions(ip eCiste! *et+een t(e CMU )n! t(e %)1#$t, )n! st)%%
:p)rti1ip)nts in t(e pro0e1t;. T(e CMU !i! not re1eive )n, s()re %ro/ t(e ()rvest.%r#its o% t(e
$)n! ti$$e! *, t(e p)rti1ip)nts. E()t t(e CMU 1o$$e1te! +)s ) no/in)$ servi1e %ee )n! $)n! #se
p)rti1ip)ntAs %ee in 1onsi!er)tion o% )$$ t(e 5in!s o% )ssist)n1e -iven to t(e p)rti1ip)nts *, t(e
CMU. A-)in, t(e )-ree/ent si-ne! *, t(e p)rti1ip)nts #n!er t(e CMU?EP 1$e)r$, stip#$)te!
t()t no $)n!$or!?ten)nt re$)tions(ip eCiste!, )n! t()t t(e p)rti1ip)nts )re not s()re 1roppers
nor $essees, )n! t(e CMU !i! not s()re in t(e pro!#1e o% t(e p)rti1ip)ntsA $)*or.

n t(e s)/e p)r)-r)p( o% t(eir 1o/p$)int, 1o/p$)in)nts 1$)i/ t()t t(e, )re $)n!$ess pe)s)nts.
T(is )$$e-)tion re"#ires proo% )n! s(o#$! not *e )11epte! )s %)1t#)$$, tr#e. O*ri"#e is not )
$)n!$ess pe)s)nt. T(e %)1ts s(o+e! (e +)s P(,si1s nstr#1tor )t CMU (o$!in- ) ver, responsi*$e
position +)s sep)r)te! %ro/ t(e servi1e on )11o#nt o% 1ert)in irre-#$)rities (e 1o//itte! +(i$e
Assist)nt Dire1tor o% t(e A-ri?B#siness Pro0e1t o% 1#$tiv)tin- $o+$)n! ri1e. Ot(ers /),, )t t(e
/o/ent, o+n no $)n! in B#5i!non *#t t(e, /), not ne1ess)ri$, *e so !estit#te in t(eir p$)1es
o% ori-in. No proo% +()tsoever )ppe)rs in t(e re1or! to s(o+ t()t t(e, )re $)n!$ess pe)s)nts.

T(e evi!en1e on re1or! est)*$is( +it(o#t !o#*t t()t t(e 1o/p$)in)nts +ere ori-in)$$,
)#t(ori>e! or -iven per/ission to o11#p, 1ert)in )re)s o% t(e CMU propert, %or ) !e%inite
p#rpose D to 1)rr, o#t 1ert)in #niversit, pro0e1ts )s p)rt o% t(e CMUAs pro-r)/ o% )1tivities
p#rs#)nt to its )vo+e! p#rpose o% -ivin- tr)inin- )n! instr#1tion in )-ri1#$t#r)$ )n! ot(er
re$)te! te1(no$o-ies, #sin- t(e $)n! )n! ot(er reso#r1es o% t(e instit#tion )s ) $)*or)tor, %or
t(ese pro0e1ts. T(eir entr, into t(e $)n! o% t(e CMU +)s +it( t(e per/ission )n! +ritten
1onsent o% t(e o+ner, t(e CMU, %or ) $i/ite! perio! )n! %or ) spe1i%i1 p#rpose. A%ter t(e
eCpir)tion o% t(eir privi$e-e to o11#p, )n! 1#$tiv)te t(e $)n! o% t(e CMU, t(eir 1ontin#e! st),
+)s #n)#t(ori>e! )n! t(eir sett$e/ent on t(e CMUAs $)n! +)s +it(o#t $e-)$ )#t(orit,. A person
enterin- #pon $)n!s o% )not(er, not 1$)i/in- in -oo! %)it( t(e ri-(t to !o so *, virt#e o% )n,
tit$e o% (is o+n, or *, virt#e o% so/e )-ree/ent +it( t(e o+ner or +it( one +(o/ (e *e$ieves
(o$!s tit$e to t(e $)n!, is ) s"#)tter. @ S"#)tters 1)nnot enter t(e $)n! o% )not(er s#rreptitio#s$,
or *, ste)$t(, )n! #n!er t(e #/*re$$) o% t(e CARP, 1$)i/ ri-(ts to s)i! propert, )s $)n!$ess
pe)s)nts. Un!er Se1tion 4= o% R.A. 2234, persons -#i$t, o% 1o//ittin- pro(i*ite! )1ts o%
%or1i*$e entr, or i$$e-)$ !et)iner !o not "#)$i%, )s *ene%i1i)ries )n! /), not )v)i$ t(e/se$ves o%
t(e ri-(ts )n! *ene%its o% )-r)ri)n re%or/. An, s#1( person +(o 5no+in-$, )n! +i$%#$$, vio$)tes
t(e )*ove provision o% t(e A1t s()$$ *e p#nis(e! +it( i/prison/ent or %ine )t t(e !is1retion o%
t(e Co#rt.

n vie+ o% t(e )*ove, t(e priv)te respon!ents, not *ein- ten)nts nor proven to *e $)n!$ess
pe)s)nts, 1)nnot "#)$i%, )s *ene%i1i)ries #n!er t(e CARP.

T(e "#estione! !e1ision o% t(e A!0#!i1)tion Bo)r!, )%%ir/e! in toto *, t(e Co#rt o% Appe)$s,
se-re-)tin- @99 (e1t)res %ro/ t(e CMU $)n! is pri/)ri$, *)se! on t(e )$$e-e! %)1t t()t t(e $)n!
s#*0e1t (ereo% is Bnot !ire1t$,, )1t#)$$, )n! eC1$#sive$, #se! %or s1(oo$ sites, *e1)#se t(e s)/e
+)s $e)se! to P(i$ippine P)15in- Corpor)tion :no+ De$ Monte P(i$ippines;B.

n s#pport o% t(is vie+, t(e Bo)r! (e$! t()t t(e Brespon!ent Universit, %)i$e! to s(o+ t()t it is
#sin- )1t#)$$,, re)$$,, tr#$, )n! in %)1t, t(e "#estione! )re) to t(e eC1$#sion o% ot(ers, nor !i! it
s(o+ t()t t(e s)/e is !ire1t$, #se! +it(o#t )n, intervenin- )-en1, or personB, 3 )n! Bt(ere is
no !e%inite )n! 1on1rete s(o+in- t()t t(e #se o% s)i! $)n!s )re essenti)$$, in!ispens)*$e %or
e!#1)tion)$ p#rposesB. 2 T(e re$i)n1e *, t(e respon!ents Bo)r! )n! Appe$$)te Tri*#n)$ on t(e
te1(ni1)$ or $iter)$ !e%inition %ro/ MorenoAs P(i$ippine L)+ Di1tion)r, )n! B$)15As L)+
Di1tion)r,, /), -ive t(e or!in)r, re)!er ) 1$)ssroo/ /e)nin- o% t(e p(r)se Bis )1t#)$$, !ire1t$,
)n! eC1$#sive$,B, *#t in so !oin- t(e, /isse! t(e tr#e /e)nin- o% Se1tion 69, R.A. 2234, )s to
+()t $)n!s )re eCe/pte! or eC1$#!e! %ro/ t(e 1over)-e o% t(e CARP.

T(e pertinent provisions o% R.A. 2234, ot(er+ise 5no+n )s t(e Co/pre(ensive A-r)ri)n Re%or/
L)+ o% 6788, )re )s %o$$o+s'

Se1. @. SCOPE. D T(e Co/pre(ensive A-r)ri)n Re%or/ L)+ o% 6788 s()$$ 1over, re-)r!$ess o%
ten#ri)$ )rr)n-e/ent )n! 1o//o!it, pro!#1e!, )$$ p#*$i1 )n! priv)te )-ri1#$t#r)$ $)n!s )s
provi!e! in Pro1$)/)tion No. 6=6 )n! ECe1#tive Or!er No. <<7 in1$#!in- ot(er $)n!s o% t(e
p#*$i1 !o/)in s#it)*$e %or )-ri1#$t#re.

More spe1i%i1)$$,, t(e %o$$o+in- $)n!s )re 1overe! *, t(e Co/pre(ensive A-r)ri)n Re%or/
Pro-r)/'

:); A$$ )$ien)*$e )n! !ispos)*$e $)n!s o% t(e p#*$i1 !o/)in !evote! to or s#it)*$e %or
)-ri1#$t#re. No re1$)ssi%i1)tion o% %orest o% /iner)$ $)n!s to )-ri1#$t#r)$ $)n!s s()$$ *e
#n!ert)5en )%ter t(e )pprov)$ o% t(is A1t #nti$ Con-ress, t)5in- into )11o#nt e1o$o-i1)$,
!eve$op/ent)$ )n! e"#it, 1onsi!er)tions, s()$$ ()ve !eter/ine! *, $)+, t(e spe1i%i1 $i/its o%
t(e p#*$i1 !o/)inL

:*; A$$ $)n!s o% t(e p#*$i1 !o/)in in eC1ess o% t(e spe1i%i1 $i/its )! !eter/ine! *, Con-ress
in t(e pre1e!in- p)r)-r)p(L

:1; A$$ ot(er $)n!s o+ne! *, t(e Govern/ent !evote! to or s#it)*$e %or )-ri1#$t#reL )n!

:!; A$$ priv)te $)n!s !evote! to or s#it)*$e %or )-ri1#$t#re re-)r!$ess o% t(e )-ri1#$t#r)$
pro!#1ts r)ise! or t()t 1)n *e r)ise! t(ereon.

Se1. 69 EGEMPTONS AND EGCLUSONS. D L)n!s )1t#)$$,, !ire1t$, )n! eC1$#sive$, #se! )n!
%o#n! to *e ne1ess)r, %or p)r5s, +i$!$i%e, %orest reserves, re%orestr)tion, %is( s)n1t#)ries )n!
*ree!in- -ro#n!s, +)ters(e!s )n! /)n-roves, n)tion)$ !e%ense, s1(oo$ sites )n! 1)/p#ses
in1$#!in- eCperi/ent)$ %)r/ st)tions oper)te! *, p#*$i1 or priv)te s1(oo$s %or e!#1)tion)$
p#rposes, see!s )n! see!$in-s rese)r1( )n! pi$ot pro!#1tion 1enters, 1(#r1( sites )n! 1onvents
)pp#rten)nt t(ereto, /os"#e sites )n! s$)/i1 1enters )pp#rten)nt t(ereto, 1o//#n)$ *#ri)$
-ro#n!s )n! 1e/eteries, pen)$ 1o$onies )n! pen)$ %)r/s )1t#)$$, +or5e! *, t(e in/)tes,
-overn/ent )n! priv)te rese)r1( )n! "#)r)ntine 1enters )n! )$$ $)n!s +it( ei-(teen per1ent
:68F; s$ope )n! over, eC1ept t(ose )$re)!, !eve$ope! s()$$ *e eCe/pt %ro/ t(e 1over)-e o%
t(is A1t. :E/p()sis s#pp$ie!;.

T(e 1onstr#1tion -iven *, t(e DARAB to Se1tion 69 restri1ts t(e $)n! )re) o% t(e CMU to its
present nee!s or to ) $)n! )re) present$,, )1tive$, eCp$oite! )n! #ti$i>e! *, t(e #niversit, in
1)rr,in- o#t its present e!#1)tion)$ pro-r)/ +it( its present st#!ent pop#$)tion )n! )1)!e/i1
%)1i$it, D over$oo5in- t(e ver, si-ni%i1)nt %)1tor o% -ro+t( o% t(e #niversit, in t(e ,e)rs to
1o/e. B, t(e n)t#re o% t(e CMU, +(i1( is ) s1(oo$ est)*$is(e! to pro/ote )-ri1#$t#re )n!
in!#str,, t(e nee! %or ) v)st tr)1t o% )-ri1#$t#r)$ $)n! )n! %or %#t#re pro-r)/s o% eCp)nsion is
o*vio#s. At t(e o#tset, t(e CMU +)s 1on1eive! in t(e s)/e /)nner )s $)n! -r)nt 1o$$e-es in
A/eri1), ) t,pe o% e!#1)tion)$ instit#tion +(i1( *$)>e! t(e tr)i$ %or t(e !eve$op/ent o% v)st
tr)1ts o% #neCp$ore! )n! #n!eve$ope! )-ri1#$t#r)$ $)n!s in t(e Mi!?Eest. E()t +e no+ 5no+
)s Mi1(i-)n St)te Universit,, Penn St)te Universit, )n! $$inois St)te Universit,, st)rte! )s s/)$$
$)n! -r)nt 1o$$e-es, +it( /e)-er %#n!in- to s#pport t(eir ever in1re)sin- e!#1)tion)$ pro-r)/s.
T(e, +ere -iven eCtensive tr)1ts o% )-ri1#$t#r)$ )n! %orest $)n!s to *e !eve$ope! to s#pport
t(eir n#/ero#s eCp)n!in- )1tivities in t(e %ie$!s o% )-ri1#$t#r)$ te1(no$o-, )n! s1ienti%i1
rese)r1(. F#n!s %or t(e s#pport o% t(e e!#1)tion)$ pro-r)/s o% $)n! -r)nt 1o$$e-es 1)/e %ro/
-overn/ent )ppropri)tion, t#ition )n! ot(er st#!ent %ees, priv)te en!o+/ents )n! -i%ts, )n!
e)rnin-s %ro/ /is1e$$)neo#s so#r1es. 4 t +)s in t(is s)/e spirit t()t Presi!ent G)r1i) iss#e!
Pro1$)/)tion No. @42, +it(!r)+in- %ro/ s)$e or sett$e/ent )n! reservin- %or t(e Min!)n)o
A-ri1#$t#r)$ Co$$e-e :%orer#nner o% t(e CMU; ) $)n! reserv)tion o% =,989 (e1t)res )s its %#t#re
1)/p#s. t +)s set #p in B#5i!non, in t(e (inter$)n!s o% Min!)n)o, in or!er t()t it 1)n ()ve
eno#-( reso#r1es )n! +i!e open sp)1es to -ro+ )s )n )-ri1#$t#r)$ e!#1)tion)$ instit#tion, to
!eve$op )n! tr)in %#t#re %)r/ers o% Min!)n)o )n! (e$p )ttr)1t sett$ers to t()t p)rt o% t(e
1o#ntr,.

n $ine +it( its )vo+e! p#rpose )s )n )-ri1#$t#r)$ )n! te1(ni1)$ s1(oo$, t(e Universit, )!opte! )
$)n! #ti$i>)tion pro-r)/ to !eve$op )n! eCp$oit its =989?(e1t)re $)n! reserv)tion )s %o$$o+s' 8

No. o% He1t)res Per1ent)-e

). Livesto15 )n! P)st#re 6,962.@9 ==

*. Up$)n! Crops 262 <9

1. C)/p#s )n! Resi!enti)$ sites @2< 63

!. rri-)te! ri1e @99.@9 6=

e. E)ters(e! )n! %orest reserv)tion =98 69

%. Fr#it )n! Trees Crops 63@ 3

-. A-ri1#$t#r)$
ECperi/ent)$ st)tions 6<=.<9 @

=,989.99 699F

T(e %irst $)n! #se p$)n o% t(e CARP +)s prep)re! in 6743 )n! sin1e t(en it ()s #n!er-one
sever)$ revisions in $ine +it( 1()n-in- e1ono/i1 1on!itions, n)tion)$ e1ono/i1 po$i1ies )n!
%in)n1i)$ $i/it)tions )n! )v)i$)*i$it, o% reso#r1es. T(e CMU, t(ro#-( Reso$#tion No. 629 S. 678@,
p#rs#)nt to its !eve$op/ent p$)n, )!opte! ) /#$ti?!is1ip$in)r, )pp$ie! rese)r1( eCtension )n!
pro!#1tivit, pro-r)/ 1)$$e! t(e BPi$#s)n- S)ri$in- Si5)p Pro0e1tB :CMU?PSSP;. T(e o*0e1tives 7
o% t(is pro-r)/ +ere'

6. Provi!e rese)r1(es +(o s()$$ )ssist in :); prep)r)tion o% propos)$L :*; /onitor pro0e1t
i/p$e/ent)tionL )n! :1; 1o$$e1t )n! )n)$,>e )$$ !)t) )n! in%or/)tion re$ev)nt to t(e pro1esses
)n! res#$ts o% pro0e1t i/p$e/ent)tionL

<. Provi!e t(e #se o% $)n! +it(in t(e Universit, reserv)tion %or t(e p#rpose o% est)*$is(in-
) $o+$)n! ri1e pro0e1t %or t(e p)rt, o% t(e Se1on! P)rt %or ) perio! o% one 1)$en!)r ,e)r s#*0e1t
to !is1retion)r, rene+)$ *, t(e P)rt, o% t(e First P)rtL

=. Provi!e pr)1ti1)$ tr)inin- to t(e P)rt, o% t(e Se1on! P)rt on t(e /)n)-e/ent )n!
oper)tion o% t(eir $o+$)n! pro0e1t #pon re"#est o% P)rt, o% t(e Se1on! P)rtL )n!

@. Provi!e te1(ni1)$ )ssist)n1e in t(e %or/ o% re$ev)nt $ive$i(oo! pro0e1t spe1i)$ists +(o
s()$$ eCten! eCpertise on s1ienti%i1 /et(o!s o% 1rop pro!#1tion #pon re"#est *, P)rt, o% t(e
Se1on! P)rt.

n ret#rn %or t(e te1(ni1)$ )ssist)n1e eCten!e! *, t(e CMU, t(e p)rti1ip)nts in ) pro0e1t p), )
no/in)$ )/o#nt )s servi1e %ee. T(e se$%?re$i)n1e pro-r)/ +)s )!0#n1t to t(e CMUAs $o+$)n!
ri1e pro0e1t.

T(e portion o% t(e CMU $)n! $e)se! to t(e P(i$ippine P)15in- Corpor)tion :no+ De$ Monte
P(i$s., n1.; +)s $e)se! $on- *e%ore t(e CARP +)s p)sse!. T(e )-ree/ent +it( t(e P(i$ippine
P)15in- Corpor)tion +)s not ) $e)se *#t ) M)n)-e/ent )n! Deve$op/ent A-ree/ent, ) 0oint
#n!ert)5in- +(ere #se *, t(e P(i$ippine P)15in- Corpor)tion o% t(e $)n! +)s p)rt o% t(e CMU
rese)r1( pro-r)/, +it( t(e !ire1t p)rti1ip)tion o% %)1#$t, )n! st#!ents. S)i! 1ontr)1ts +it( t(e
P(i$ippine P)15in- Corpor)tion )n! ot(ers o% ) si/i$)r n)t#re :$i5e MM?A-r)p$eC; +ere /)!e
prior to t(e en)1t/ent o% R.A. 2234 )n! +ere !ire1t$, 1onne1te! to t(e p#rpose )n! o*0e1tives
o% t(e CMU )s )n e!#1)tion)$ instit#tion. As soon )s t(e o*0e1tives o% t(e )-ree/ent %or t(e
0oint #se o% t(e CMU $)n! +ere )1(ieve! )s o% &#ne 6788, t(e CMU )!opte! ) *$#e print %or t(e
eC1$#sive #se )n! #ti$i>)tion o% s)i! )re)s to 1)rr, o#t its o+n rese)r1( )n! )-ri1#$t#r)$
eCperi/ents.

As to t(e !eter/in)tion o% +(en )n! +()t $)n!s )re %o#n! to *e ne1ess)r, %or #se *, t(e CMU,
t(e s1(oo$ is in t(e *est position to reso$ve )n! )ns+er t(e "#estion )n! p)ss #pon t(e
pro*$e/ o% its nee!s in re$)tion to its )vo+e! o*0e1tives %or +(i1( t(e $)n! +)s -iven to it *,
t(e St)te. Neit(er t(e DARAB nor t(e Co#rt o% Appe)$s ()s t(e ri-(t to s#*stit#te its 0#!-/ent
or !is1retion on t(is /)tter, #n$ess t(e evi!enti)r, %)1ts )re so /)ni%est )s to s(o+ t()t t(e
CMU ()s no re)$ %or t(e $)n!.

t is o#r opinion t()t t(e @99 (e1t)res or!ere! se-re-)te! *, t(e DARAB )n! )%%ir/e! *, t(e
Co#rt o% Appe)$s in its De1ision !)te! A#-#st <9, 6779, is not 1overe! *, t(e CARP *e1)#se'

:6; t is not )$ien)*$e )n! !ispos)*$e $)n! o% t(e p#*$i1 !o/)inL

:<; T(e CMU $)n! reserv)tion is not in eC1ess o% spe1i%i1 $i/its )s !eter/ine! *, Con-ressL

:=; t is priv)te $)n! re-istere! )n! tit$e! in t(e n)/e o% its $)+%#$ o+ner, t(e CMUL

:@; t is eCe/pt %ro/ 1over)-e #n!er Se1tion 69 o% R.A. 2234 *e1)#se t(e $)n!s )re )1t#)$$,,
!ire1t$, )n! eC1$#sive$, #se! )n! %o#n! to *e ne1ess)r, %or s1(oo$ site )n! 1)/p#s, in1$#!in-
eCperi/ent)$ %)r/ st)tions %or e!#1)tion)$ p#rposes, )n! %or est)*$is(in- see! )n! see!$in-
rese)r1( )n! pi$ot pro!#1tion 1enters. :E/p()sis s#pp$ie!;.

Un!er Se1tion @ )n! Se1tion 69 o% R.A. 2234, it is 1r,st)$ 1$e)r t()t t(e 0#ris!i1tion o% t(e DARAB
is $i/ite! on$, to /)tters invo$vin- t(e i/p$e/ent)tion o% t(e CARP. More spe1i%i1)$$,, it is
restri1te! to )-r)ri)n 1)ses )n! 1ontroversies invo$vin- $)n!s %)$$in- +it(in t(e 1over)-e o% t(e
)%ore/entione! pro-r)/. t !oes not in1$#!e t(ose +(i1( )re )1t#)$$,, !ire1t$, )n! eC1$#sive$,
#se! )n! %o#n! to *e ne1ess)r, %or, )/on- s#1( p#rposes, s1(oo$ sites )n! 1)/p#ses %or
settin- #p eCperi/ent)$ %)r/ st)tions, rese)r1( )n! pi$ot pro!#1tion 1enters, et1.

Conse"#ent$,, t(e DARAB ()s no po+er to tr,, (e)r )n! )!0#!i1)te t(e 1)se pen!in- *e%ore it
invo$vin- ) portion o% t(e CMUAs tit$e! s1(oo$ site, )s t(e portion o% t(e CMU $)n! reserv)tion
or!ere! se-re-)te! is )1t#)$$,, !ire1t$, )n! eC1$#sive$, #se! )n! %o#n! *, t(e s1(oo$ to *e
ne1ess)r, %or its p#rposes. T(e CMU ()s 1onst)nt$, r)ise! t(e iss#e o% t(e DARABAs $)15 o%
0#ris!i1tion )n! ()s "#estione! t(e respon!entAs )#t(orit, to (e)r, tr, )n! )!0#!i1)te t(e 1)se
)t *)r. Despite t(e $)+ )n! t(e evi!en1e on re1or! ten!in- to est)*$is( t()t t(e %)1t t()t t(e
DARAB ()! no 0#ris!i1tion, it /)!e t(e )!0#!i1)tion no+ s#*0e1t o% revie+.

E(et(er t(e DARAB ()s t(e )#t(orit, to or!er t(e se-re-)tion o% ) portion o% ) priv)te
propert, tit$e! in t(e n)/e o% its $)+%#$ o+ner, even i% t(e 1$)i/)nt is not entit$e! )s )
*ene%i1i)r,, is )n iss#e +e %ee$ +e /#st reso$ve. T(e "#)si?0#!i1i)$ po+ers o% DARAB )re
provi!e! in ECe1#tive Or!er No. 6<7?A, "#ote! (ere#n!er in so %)r )s pertinent to t(e iss#e )t
*)r'

Se1. 6=. RR AGRARAN REFORM AD&UDCATON BOARD D T(ere is (ere*, 1re)te! )n A-r)ri)n
Re%or/ A!0#!i1)tion Bo)r! #n!er t(e o%%i1e o% t(e Se1ret)r,. . . . T(e Bo)r! s()$$ )ss#/e t(e
po+ers )n! %#n1tions +it( respe1t to )!0#!i1)tion o% )-r)ri)n re%or/ 1)ses #n!er ECe1#tive
Or!er <<7 )n! t(is ECe1#tive Or!er . . .

Se1. 64. RR OUAS &UDCAL POEERS OF THE DAR. D T(e DAR is (ere*, veste! +it( "#)si?
0#!i1i)$ po+ers to !eter/ine )n! )!0#!i1)te )-r)ri)n re%or/ /)tters )n! s()$$ ()ve eC1$#sive
ori-in)$ 0#ris!i1tion over )$$ /)tters in1$#!in- i/p$e/ent)tion o% A-r)ri)n Re%or/.

Se1tion 39 o% R.A. 2238 1on%ers on t(e DAR "#)si?0#!i1i)$ po+ers )s %o$$o+s'

T(e DAR is (ere*, veste! +it( pri/)r, 0#ris!i1tion to !eter/ine )n! )!0#!i1)te )-r)ri)n re%or/
/)tters )n! s()$$ ()ve ori-in)$ 0#ris!i1tion over )$$ /)tters invo$vin- t(e i/p$e/ent)tion o%
)-r)ri)n re%or/. . . .

Se1tion 64 o% ECe1#tive Or!er No. 6<7?A is /ere$, ) repetition o% Se1tion 39, R.A. 2234. T(ere is
no !o#*t t()t t(e DARAB ()s 0#ris!i1tion to tr, )n! !e1i!e )n, )-r)ri)n !isp#te in t(e
i/p$e/ent)tion o% t(e CARP. An )-r)ri)n !isp#te is !e%ine! *, t(e s)/e $)+ )s )n, 1ontrovers,
re$)tin- to ten#ri)$ ri-(ts +(et(er $e)se(o$!, ten)n1, ste+)r!s(ip or ot(er+ise over $)n!s
!evote! to
)-ri1#$t#re. 69

n t(e 1)se )t *)r, t(e DARAB %o#n! t()t t(e 1o/p$)in)nts )re not s()re ten)nts or $e)se
(o$!ers o% t(e CMU, ,et it or!ere! t(e Bse-re-)tion o% ) s#it)*$e 1o/p)1t )n! 1onti-#o#s )re)
o% Fo#r H#n!re! (e1t)res, /ore or $essB, %ro/ t(e CMU $)n! reserv)tion, )n! !ire1te! t(e DAR
Re-ion)$ Dire1tor to i/p$e/ent its or!er o% se-re-)tion. H)vin- %o#n! t()t t(e 1o/p$)in)nts in
t(is )-r)ri)n !isp#te %or De1$)r)tion o% Ten)n1, St)t#s )re not entit$e! to 1$)i/ )s *ene%i1i)ries
o% t(e CARP *e1)#se t(e, )re not s()re ten)nts or $e)se(o$!ers, its or!er %or t(e se-re-)tion o%
@99 (e1t)res o% t(e CMU $)n! +)s +it(o#t $e-)$ )#t(orit,. + !o not *e$ieve t()t t(e "#)si?
0#!i1i)$ %#n1tion o% t(e DARAB 1)rries +it( it -re)ter )#t(orit, t()n or!in)r, 1o#rts to /)5e )n
)+)r! *e,on! +()t +)s !e/)n!e! *, t(e 1o/p$)in)nts.petitioners, even in )n )-r)ri)n
!isp#te. E(ere t(e "#)si?0#!i1i)$ *o!, %in!s t()t t(e 1o/p$)in)nts.petitioners )re not entit$e!
to t(e ri-(ts t(e, )re !e/)n!in-, it is )n erroneo#s interpret)tion o% )#t(orit, %or t()t "#)si?
0#!i1i)$ *o!, to or!er priv)te propert, to *e )+)r!e! to %#t#re *ene%i1i)ries. T(e or!er
se-re-)tion @99 (e1t)res o% t(e CMU $)n! +)s iss#e! on ) %in!in- t()t t(e 1o/p$)in)nts )re
not entit$e! )s *ene%i1i)ries, )n! on )n erroneo#s )ss#/ption t()t t(e CMU $)n! +(i1( is
eC1$#!e! or eCe/pte! #n!er t(e $)+ is s#*0e1t to t(e 1over)-e o% t(e CARP. Goin- *e,on!
+()t +)s )s5e! *, t(e 1o/p$)in)nts +(o +ere not entit$e! to t(e re$ie% pr),e! t(e
1o/p$)in)nts +(o +ere not entit$e! to t(e re$ie% pr),e! %or, 1onstit#tes ) -r)ve )*#se o%
!is1retion *e1)#se it i/p$ies s#1( 1)pri1io#s )n! +(i/si1)$ eCer1ise o% 0#!-/ent )s is
e"#iv)$ent to $)15 o% 0#ris!i1tion.

T(e e!#1)tion o% t(e ,o#t( )n! )-r)ri)n re%or/ )re )!/itte!$, )/on- t(e (i-(est priorities in
t(e -overn/ent so1io?e1ono/i1 pro-r)/s. n t(is 1)se, neit(er nee! -ive +), to t(e ot(er.
Cert)in$,, t(ere /#st sti$$ *e v)st tr)1ts o% )-ri1#$t#r)$ $)n! in Min!)n)o o#tsi!e t(e CMU $)n!
reserv)tion +(i1( 1)n *e /)!e )v)i$)*$e to $)n!$ess pe)s)nts, )ss#/in- t(e 1$)i/)nts (ere, or
so/e o% t(e/, 1)n "#)$i%, )s CARP *ene%i1i)ries. To o#r /in!, t(e t)5in- o% t(e CMU $)n! +(i1(
()! *een se-re-)te! %or e!#1)tion)$ p#rposes %or !istri*#tion to ,et #n1ert)in *ene%i1i)ries is )
-ross /isinterpret)tion o% t(e )#t(orit, )n! 0#ris!i1tion -r)nte! *, $)+ to t(e DARAB.

T(e !e1ision in t(is 1)se is o% %)r?re)1(in- si-ni%i1)n1e )s %)r )s it 1on1erns st)te 1o$$e-es )n!
#niversities +(ose reso#r1es )n! rese)r1( %)1i$ities /), *e -r)!#)$$, ero!e! *, /is1onstr#in-
t(e eCe/ptions %ro/ t(e CARP. T(ese st)te 1o$$e-es )n! #niversities )re t(e /)in ve(i1$es %or
o#r s1ienti%i1 )n! te1(no$o-i1)$ )!v)n1e/ent in t(e %ie$! o% )-ri1#$t#re, so vit)$ to t(e eCisten1e,
-ro+t( )n! !eve$op/ent o% t(is 1o#ntr,.

t is t(e opinion o% t(is Co#rt, in t(e $i-(t o% t(e %ore-oin- )n)$,sis )n! %or t(e re)sons in!i1)te!,
t()t t(e evi!en1e is s#%%i1ient to s#st)in ) %in!in- o% -r)ve )*#se o% !is1retion *, respon!ents
Co#rt o% Appe)$s )n! DAR A!0#!i1)tion Bo)r!. Ee (ere*, !e1$)re t(e !e1ision o% t(e DARAB
!)te! Septe/*er @, 6787 )n! t(e !e1ision o% t(e Co#rt o% Appe)$s !)te! A#-#st <9, 6779,
)%%ir/in- t(e !e1ision o% t(e "#)si?0#!i1i)$ *o!,, )s n#$$ )n! voi! )n! (ere*, or!er t()t t(e, *e
set )si!e, +it( 1osts )-)inst t(e priv)te respon!ents.

SO ORDERED

G#tierre>, &r., Cr#>, Fe$i1i)no, P)!i$$), Bi!in, GriMo?A"#ino, Me!i)$!e), Re-)$)!o, D)vi!e, &r.,
Ro/ero, No1on, )n! Me$o, &&., 1on1#r.

Be$$osi$$o, &., too5 no p)rt.

N)rv)s), C.&., is on $e)ve.




FRST DKSON

IG.R. No. 667988. &#ne =9, <999J

ZADA RUBY S. ALBERTO, petitioner, vs. COURT OF APPEALS, EPFANO &. ALANO, CECLA P.
ALANO, YOLANDA P. ALANO, )n! NATALA REALTY, NC., respon!ents.

D E C S O N

YNARES?SANTAGO, &.'

Ass)i$e! in t(is Petition %or Revie+ on Certior)ri is t(e De1ision6 IPenne! *, Asso1i)te &#sti1e
Fi!e$ P. P#risi/) :no+ Asso1i)te &#sti1e o% t(e S#pre/e Co#rt; )n! 1on1#rre! in *, Asso1i)te
&#sti1es As))$i S. sn)ni )n! Coron) *),?So/er).J o% t(e Co#rt o% Appe)$s in CA?G.R. CK No.
=8=89 )%%ir/in- t(e O/ni*#s Or!er< IAnneC BGB, iss#e! *, &#!-e &#)n O. Enri"#e> &r. Assistin-
Br)n1( 4@ o% t(e Re-ion)$ Tri)$ Co#rt o% C)int), Ri>)$, Ro$$o, p. 8<.J o% t(e $o+er 1o#rt !is/issin-
petitionerSs se1on! A/en!e! Co/p$)int %or ins#%%i1ien1, o% 1)#se o% )1tion.

Respon!ent spo#ses Epi%)nio )n! Ce1i$i) A$)no ret)ine! t(e $e-)$ servi1es o% petitioner Att,.
Z)i!) R#*, S. A$*erto to represent t(e/ *e%ore t(e Se1#rities )n! EC1()n-e Co//ission :SEC;
in )n )1tion to re1over re)$ properties, /one, )n! ot(er )ssets t()t /), pert)in to t(e/ *,
virt#e o% t(eir sto15(o$!in-s in t(e N)t)$i) Re)$t,, n1. Bot( p)rties %or/)$i>e! t(eir 1on%or/it,
in ) ret)iner )-ree/ent= IAnneC BAB, Ro$$o, p. =4.J t(e s)$ient %e)t#re o% +(i1( is %or
respon!ent?spo#ses to p), petitioner on ) 1ontin-ent *)sis t(e %o$$o+in-' ); t(e e"#iv)$ent in
5in! o% ten per1ent :69F; o% +()tever re)$ est)te /), *e )+)r!e!, )n! *; t(e s#/ o% T+o
H#n!re! T(o#s)n! Pesos :P<99,999.99;.

n )11or!)n1e +it( s)i! A-ree/ent, petitioner %i$e! on *e()$% o% respon!ent?spo#ses SEC C)se
No. =93@, )n )1tion %or $i"#i!)tion, )11o#ntin- )n! !)/)-es )-)inst E#-enio S. B)$t)o )n! %ive
ot(er persons o% N)t)$i) Re)$t,, n1., )n! )ppe)re! )t t(e (e)rin-s t(ereo%.

On &)n#)r, =, 6787, petitioner $e)rne! t()t respon!ent?spo#ses /ove! to !is/iss SEC C)se No.
=93@ +(i1( /otion +)s 1on%ir/e! in ) /)ni%est)tion *, B)$t)o )n! N)t)$i) Re)$t,, n1. t
)ppe)re! t()t !#rin- t(e pen!en1, o% t(e 1)se, t(e opposin- p)rties re)1(e! ) sett$e/ent
+it(o#t 1ons#$tin- petitioner. Petitioner on$, $e)rne! o% t(e sett$e/ent on &)n#)r, 62, 6787
+(en s(e re1eive! ) 1op, o% ) SEC or!er -ivin- B)$t)o )n! N)t)$i) Re)$t,, n1. t(ree !),s to
1o//ent on respon!ent?spo#sesS /otion to !is/iss on )11o#nt o% s)i! sett$e/ent. n e%%e1t,
B)$t)o )n! N)t)$i) Re)$t,, n1. 0oine! respon!ent?spo#ses in t(eir /otion to !is/iss on )11o#nt
o% ) s)tis%)1tor, sett$e/ent ()vin- *een re)1(e! *et+een t(e/ in s)i! SEC 1)se. A11or!in-$,,
t(e s)i! 1)se +)s !is/isse! on &)n#)r, 67, 6787.

E(en 1on%ronte!, respon!ent?spo#ses )!/itte! t()t ) sett$e/ent ()! in!ee! *een re)1(e!
)n! t()t t(e, eCpe1te! to re1eive =3 (e1t)res o% $)n!. Petitioner !e/)n!e! t(e p),/ent o% t(e
%ees stip#$)te! in t(eir ret)iner )-ree/ent, (o+ever, respon!ent?spo#ses re%#se! to p),
!espite repe)te! !e/)n!s.

Petitioner +)s t(#s 1onstr)ine! to %i$e ) Co/p$)int %or 1o$$e1tion o% s#/ o% /one, +it(
!)/)-es@ IDo15ete! )s Civi$ C)se No. 349<=.J )-)inst respon!ent?spo#ses. T(e Re-ion)$ Tri)$
Co#rt o% P)si-, Br)n1( 636 ren!ere! ) !e1ision on Nove/*er 64, 6787 in %)vor o% petitioner t(e
!ispositive portion o% +(i1( re)!s'

BEHEREFORE, 0#!-/ent is (ere*, ren!ere! %or t(e p$)inti%% )n! )-)inst !e%en!)nt?spo#ses'

6.....De1$)rin- p$)inti%% entit$e! to ten per1ent :69F; e"#iv)$ent to t(ree )n! ) ()$% := 6.<;
(e1t)res o% t(e t(irt,?%ive :=3; (e1t)res )+)r!e! to )n!.or re1eive! *, !e%en!)nt?spo#ses %ro/
t(ose $)n!s )n! re)$ properties invo$ve! in SEC C)se No. =93@, $o1)te! )t Sitio B)n)*), B)rrio
No. =, Antipo$o, Ri>)$ 1overe! *, Tr)ns%er Certi%i1)te o% Tit$e No. =63<4 iss#e! *, t(e Re-ister o%
Dee!s %or t(e Provin1e o% Ri>)$L Tr)ns%er Certi%i1)te o% Tit$e No. 248@3 iss#e! *, t(e Re-ister o%
Dee!s o% Ri>)$, M)ri5in) Br)n1(L )s +e$$ )s t(ose s#*!ivision $ots 1erti%i1)tes o% tit$e :se-re-)te!
%ro/ Tr)ns%er Certi%i1)te o% Tit$e No. =63<4; iss#e! *, t(e Re-ister o% Dee!s o% Ri>)$, M)ri5in)
Br)n1( n#/*ere! )s %o$$o+s'

:LSTNG OF TTLES OMTTED;

)n! or!erin- !e%en!)nt?spo#ses to tr)ns%er, 1e!e, )ssi-n )n! !e$iver t(e s)/e to t(e p$)inti%%L
)n!,

<.....Or!erin- !e%en!)nt?spo#ses to p), to p$)inti%% t(e %o$$o+in- )/o#nts'

:);....P689,999.99 representin- t(e *)$)n1e o% (er /onet)r, %ee #n!er t(eir ret)iner
)-ree/ent, +it( interest o% 6<F %ro/ t(e %i$in- o% t(e 1o/p$)int on Fe*r#)r, <<, 6787 #nti$ %#$$,
p)i!L

:*;....P=9,999.99 )s /or)$ !)/)-esL

:1;....P69,999.99 )s eCe/p$)r, or 1orre1tive !)/)-esL )n!

:!;....P69,999.99 )s )ttorne,Ss %ees )n! $iti-)tion eCpenses, )$$ t(ree :=; %ore-oin- )/o#nts +it(
interest o% 6<F %ro/ !)te (ereo% #nti$ %#$$, p)i!.B

n ) s#*se"#ent Or!er, t(e $o+er 1o#rt !e1$)re! t()t t(e )ttorne,Ss %ees )+)r!e! in t(e )*ove?
1ite! !e1ision 1onstit#te ) $ien on t(e properties s#*0e1t o% t(e 1)se )n! or!ere! t(e Re-ister o%
Dee!s o% Ri>)$, M)ri5in) Br)n1(, to )nnot)te s)i! $ien on t(e 1overin- 1erti%i1)tes o% tit$e )n!
t(eir !eriv)tives. E(en t(e )*ove?1ite! !e1ision *e1)/e %in)$ )n! eCe1#tor,, petitioner 1)#se!
t(e iss#)n1e o% ) +rit o% eCe1#tion. Ho+ever, per S(eri%%Ss Ret#rn,3 IAnneC BB?6B, Ro$$o, p. @8.J
on$, P=,399.99 o% person)$ properties o% respon!ent?spo#ses +ere $evie!.

App)rent$,, N)t)$i) Re)$t,, n1. ()! so$! to priv)te respon!ent Yo$)n!) A$)no, respon!ent?
spo#sesS !)#-(ter, <=9,979 s"#)re /eters or ) $itt$e over <= (e1t)res o#t o% t(e =<.@ (e1t)res
-iven to t(e/ )s sett$e/ent o% t(e SEC 1)se.2 IAnneC BC?6B, Ro$$o, p. 38.J T(e s)$e +)s eCe1#te!
on De1e/*er <8, 6788 or siC !),s *e%ore respon!ent?spo#ses /ove! to !is/iss t(e SEC 1)se on
&)n#)r, =, 6787. T(is !is1over, pro/pte! petitioner to %i$e ) 1o/p$)int, )n! t(ere)%ter, )
se1on! A/en!e! Co/p$)int4 IDo15ete! )s Civi$ C)se No. 79?6478.J to !e1$)re t(e !ee! o% s)$e
n#$$ )n! voi! )* initio on t(e -ro#n! t()t t(e tr)ns%er o% t(e s#*0e1t p)r1e$s o% $)n! to Yo$)n!)
A$)no +)s si/#$)te!. Petitioner $i5e+ise 1)#se! t(e )nnot)tion o% ) noti1e o% $is pen!ens on t(e
tr)ns%er 1erti%i1)tes o% tit$e.

T(e tri)$ 1o#rt, in )n O/ni*#s Or!er,8 Iss#e! *, &#!-e &#)n O. Enri"#e> &r. o% t(e Re-ion)$ Tri)$
Co#rt, Assistin- Br)n1( 4@ o% C)int), Ri>)$, AnneC BGB, Ro$$o, p. 8<.J !is/isse! petitionerSs
Co/p$)int %or ins#%%i1ien1, o% 1)#se o% )1tion. As ) /)tter o% 1o#rse, t(e )nnot)tions o% t(e
noti1e o% $is pen!ens )s +e$$ )s t(e )ttorne,Ss $ien on t(e tr)ns%er 1erti%i1)tes o% tit$e +ere
1)n1e$$e!.

T(e Co#rt o% Appe)$s )%%ir/e! t(e !is/iss)$ o% t(e 1o/p$)int )s +e$$ )s t(e 1)n1e$$)tion o% t(e
noti1e o% $is pen!ens )n! t(e )nnot)tion o% )ttorne,Ss $ien. n )%%ir/in- t(e $o+er 1o#rtSs
O/ni*#s Or!er !is/issin- t(e Se1on! A/en!e! Co/p$)int %or ins#%%i1ien1, o% 1)#se o% )1tion,
t(e Co#rt o% Appe)$s (e$! t(#s'

BT(e %irst )ssi-ne! error is !evoi! o% s#st)in)*$e *)sis. Ee$$?sett$e! is t(e r#$e t()t in reso$vin- )
/otion to !is/iss on t(e -ro#n! o% %)i$#re to st)te ) 1)#se o% )1tion, on$, t(e )ver/ents o% t(e
1o/p$)int, )n! no ot(er, )re to *e 1ons#$te!. ECtr)neo#s /)tters )re irre$ev)nt. Ee )-ree +it(
t(e tri)$ 1o#rt, )s opine! in its O/ni*#s Or!er #n!er )tt)15, t()t t(e Dee! o% S)$e, )tt)1(e! to
t(e Se1on! A/en!e! Co/p$)int )s AnneC BCB, +)s eCe1#te! *e%ore t(e %i$in- o% t(e 1o/p$)int
%or )ttorne,Ss %ees in C.C. No. 349<=L P$)inti%% is not ) p)rt, to s#*0e1t Dee! o% S)$e )n! t(e
!e%en!)nt /ov)nt, Yo$)n!) P. A$)no, +)s not ) p)rt, in s)i! C.C. No. 349<=L t()t t(e !e%en!)nt
spo#ses, Epi%)nio A$)no )n! Ce1i$i) A$)no, +ere )+)r!e! *, SEC t(irt,?%ive :=3; (e1t)resL t()t
on$, t+ent, t(ree :<=; (e1t)res o% t(e s)i! =3 (e1t)res +)s so$! *, t(e $)tter to !e%en!)nt
Yo$)n!) P. A$)no #n!er t(e Dee! o% S)$e so#-(t to *e )nn#$$e! (ereL )n! #n!er t(e &#!-/ent
in Civi$ C)se No. 349<=, p$)inti%% +)s )!0#!-e! )s entit$e! to 69F o% t(e )%ores)i! )+)r! o% =3
(e1t)res, )s (er )ttorne,Ss %ees. S#1( *ein- t(e 1)se, even )ss#/in- t()t p$)inti%% is entit$e! to
re1eive %ro/ t(e !e%en!)nt spo#ses, Epi%)nio )n! Ce1i$i) A$)no, = 6.< (e1t)res, )s (er e)rne!
pro%ession)$ %ees, t(e s)/e 1)n *e t)5en %ro/ t(e re/)inin- t+e$ve :6<; (e1t)res not !ee!e!
o#t #n!er t(e Dee! o% S)$e in "#estion. T(e 1$)i/ o% p$)inti%% %or s#1( )ttorne,Ss %ees is not )t )$$
pre0#!i1e! or )%%e1te! *, t(e s)$e o% t+ent, t(ree :<=; (e1t)res to Yo$)n!) P. A$)no, +(i1( s)$e
t(e present 1o/p$)int o% p$)inti%% see5s to )nn#$.

n t(e $i-(t o% t(e %ore-oin- %)1ts )n! 1ir1#/st)n1es, it is t(ere%ore !e1isive$, 1$e)r t()t t(e
$o+er 1o#rt !i! ri-(t in !is/issin- t(e Se1on! A/en!e! Co/p$)int %or %)i$#re to st)te ) 1)#se o%
)1tion )-)inst !e%en!)nt )ppe$$ee Yo$)n!) P. A$)no, +(o +)s not ) p)rt, in Civi$ C)se No.
349<= )n! 1onse"#ent$, not *o#n! *, t(e 0#!-/ent t(erein. T(e $)tter +)s never ) 1$ient o%
p$)inti%% )ppe$$)nt, )n! is ) tot)$ str)n-er in Civi$ C)se No. 349<=. Un!o#*te!$,, s#*0e1t
)ttorne,Ss %ees o% p$)inti%%?)ppe$$)nt o% = 6.< (e1t)res 1)n not *e en%or1e! )-)inst t(e
properties o% Yo$)n!) P. A$)no +(i1( s(e v)$i!$, p#r1()se! #n!er t(e s)i! Dee! o% S)$e in5e!
prior to t(e instit#tion o% Civi$ C)se No. 349<=. A*sent )n, )$$e-)tion in t(e se1on! A/en!e!
Co/p$)int t()t Yo$)n!) P. A$)no )ss#/e! (er p)rentSs o*$i-)tion to p), s#1( )ttorne,Ss %ees o%
p$)inti%%?)ppe$$)nt or t()t (er o+n properties +o#$! *e #se! to s)tis%, s)i! o*$i-)tion o% (er
p)rents, p$)inti%%?)ppe$$)nt is +it(o#t )n, 1)#se o% )1tion )-)inst !e%en!)nt?)ppe$$ee Yo$)n!)
P. A$)no. On t(e *)sis o% its )$$e-)tion o% #$ti/)te %)1ts, !is/iss)$ o% t(e Se1on! A/en!e!
Co/p$)int #n!er s1r#tin, is, t(ere%ore, inevit)*$e.

E()t is /ore, )s o*serve! *e$o+, )ppe$$)nt is not ) p)rt, to t(e Dee! o% S)$e eCe1#te!
*et+een Yo$)n!) P. A$)no )n! N)t)$i) Re)$t,, n1. A str)n-er to s)i! 1ontr)1t, )ppe$$)nt ()s no
$e-)$ ri-(t )n! person)$it, to )ss)i$ t(e s)/e. To t(e %ore, in t(is 1onne1tion, is t(e pertinent
provision o% Art. 6=74 o% t(e Ne+ Civi$ Co!e ?? t()t BT(e )1tion %or )nn#$/ent o% 1ontr)1t /),
*e instit#te! *, )$$ t(ose +(o )re t(ere*, o*$i-e! prin1ip)$$, or s#*si!i)ri$,.B

A$t(o#-( t(e )%ore1ite! $e-)$ provision in point )!/its o% )n eC1eption, )s +(en ) person not )
p)rt, to t(e 1ontr)1t 1o#$! s(o+ t()t (e +o#$! s#%%er !)/)-e or in0#r, *, re)son o% t(e
1ontr)1t, in 1onne1tion +it( )t $e)st one o% t(e 1ontr)1tin- p)rties, C C C Ee )-ree +it( t(e
$o+er 1o#rt t()t t(e 1)se o% )ppe$$)nt (ere is not +it(in t(e 1onte/p$)tion o% Arti1$e 6=74
s#pr). So )$so, )s pointe! o#t *, )ppe$$ees, t(ere is no )$$e-)tion in t(e Se1on! A/en!e!
Co/p$)int t()t )ppe$$)nt pro1ee!e! +it( t(e eCe1#tion o% t(e De1ision o% t(e P)si- 1o#rt in
Civi$ C)se No. 349<= )n! +)s #n)*$e to o*t)in s)tis%)1tion t(ere%or t()t s(e ()! eC()#ste! )$$
)v)i$)*$e re/e!ies %or t(e s)tis%)1tion o% s#1( 0#!-/ent )-)inst t(e 0#!-/ent !e*tors, spo#ses
Epi%)nio A$)no )n! Ce1i$i) A$)no.B

n!ee!, it is irre%#t)*$e t()t t(e Se1on! A/en!e! Co/p$)int 1ont)ins no )$$e-)tion t()t
p$)inti%%?)ppe$$)ntSs pr),er %or )ttorne,Ss %ees e"#iv)$ent to = 6.< (e1t)res in Civi$ C)se No.
349<= is *o#n! to *e pre0#!i1e! *, t(e Dee! o% S)$e eCe1#te! *, t(e s)i! spo#ses in %)vor o%
!e%en!)nt?)ppe$$ee Yo$)n!) P. A$)no. Appe$$)ntSs s#*/ission, t()t eC()#stion o% t(e properties
o% (er s)i! %or/er 1$ients is not essenti)$ to t(e )11r#)$ o% (er 1)#se o% )1tion, is #nten)*$e. To
repe)t' %ro/ t(e re/)inin- t+e$ve :6<; (e1t)res o% (er %or/er 1$ients /), *e t)5en (er
:)ppe$$)ntSs; )ttorne,Ss %ees o% = 6.< (e1t)res.B7 IDe1ision o% t(e Co#rt o% Appe)$s in CA?G.R. CK
No. =8=89, Ro$$o, pp. 632?64@.J

Hen1e, t(is petition. Petitioner s#*/its t()t t(e Co#rt o% Appe)$s erre!'

:A;....N FNDNG THAT PETTONERSS AMENDED COMPLANT N CKL CASE NO. 79?6478 DD
NOT STATE A SUFFCENT CAUSE OF ACTON, AND THAT THE TRAL COURT COMMTTED NO
ERROR N DSMSSNG SAD COMPLANT ON THAT GROUNDL AND

:B;........N FNDNG THAT CKL CASE NO. 79?6478 S NOT AN ACTON AFFECTNG TTLE TO OR
POSSESSON OF REAL PROPERTY UNDER SECTON <@ OF RULE 6@, REKSED RULES OF COURT,
HENCE NOT A PROPER SUB&ECT OF A NOTCE OF LS PENDENS.

Petitioner s#*/its t()t t(e Co#rt o% Appe)$s erre! in r#$in- t()t s(e B()! no $e-)$ ri-(t or
person)$it, to )ss)i$ t(e !ee! o% s)$e *et+een N)t)$i) Re)$t,, n1. )n! Yo$)n!) P. A$)noB69
IPetition, Ro$$o, p. 69.J )s s(e +)s ) str)n-er to t(e 1ontr)1t so#-(t to *e )nn#$$e!, (en1e
+it(o#t s#%%i1ient 1)#se o% )1tion.

T(is 1ontention is i/presse! +it( /erit. n P)r)M)"#e Pin-s Enterprises, n1. v. Co#rt o%
Appe)$s,66 I<28 SCRA 4<4 :6774;J t(is Co#rt (e$!'

BTo !eter/ine t(e s#%%i1ien1, o% ) 1)#se o% )1tion, on$, t(e %)1ts )$$e-e! in t(e 1o/p$)int )n!
no ot(er s(o#$! *e 1onsi!ere!L )n! t()t t(e test o% s#%%i1ien1, o% t(e %)1ts )$$e-e! in ) petition
or 1o/p$)int to 1onstit#te ) 1)#se o% )1tion is +(et(er, )!/ittin- t(e %)1ts )$$e-e!, t(e 1o#rt
1o#$! ren!er ) v)$i! 0#!-/ent #pon t(e s)/e in )11or!)n1e +it( t(e pr),er o% t(e petition or
1o/p$)int.

A 1)#se o% )1tion eCists i% t(e %o$$o+in- e$e/ents )re present' :6; ) ri-(t in %)vor o% t(e p$)inti%%
*, +()tever /e)ns )n! #n!er +()tever $)+ it )rises or is 1re)te!L :<; )n o*$i-)tion on t(e p)rt
o% t(e n)/e! !e%en!)nt to respe1t or not to vio$)te s#1( ri-(tL )n! :=; )n )1t or o/ission on
t(e p)rt o% s#1( !e%en!)nt vio$)tive o% t(e ri-(t o% p$)inti%% or 1onstit#tin- ) *re)1( o% t(e
o*$i-)tion o% !e%en!)nt to t(e p$)inti%% %or +(i1( t(e $)tter /), /)int)in )n )1tion %or re1over,
o% !)/)-es.

n !eter/inin- +(et(er )$$e-)tions o% ) 1o/p$)int )re s#%%i1ient to s#pport ) 1)#se o% )1tion, it
/#st *e *orne in /in! t()t t(e 1o/p$)int !oes not ()ve to est)*$is( or )$$e-e %)1ts provin- t(e
eCisten1e o% ) 1)#se o% )1tion )t t(e o#tsetL t(is +i$$ ()ve to *e !one )t t(e tri)$ on t(e /erits
o% t(e 1)se. To s#st)in ) /otion to !is/iss %or $)15 o% 1)#se o% )1tion, t(e 1o/p$)int /#st s(o+
t()t t(e 1$)i/ %or re$ie% !oes not eCist, C C C.B

T(e s#%%i1ien1, o% petitionerSs 1)#se o% )1tion in t(e se1on! A/en!e! Co/p$)int is re)!i$,
)pp)rent. A ri-(t in (er %)vor +)s 1re)te! *, virt#e o% t(e ret)iner )-ree/ent eCe1#te!
*et+een (er )n! respon!ent?spo#ses. T(is ri-(t +)s 1on%ir/e! )n! #p(e$! *, t(e Re-ion)$
Tri)$ Co#rt o% P)si- +(en it r#$e! in %)vor o% petitioner in Civi$ C)se No. 349<= %or 1o$$e1tion o%
s#/ o% /one, )n! !)/)-es.6< ISee Note @.J Correspon!in-$,, respon!ent?spo#ses ()! t(e
o*$i-)tion to (onor )n! not to vio$)te t(e provisions o% t(e ret)iner )-ree/ent it entere! into
+it( petitioner. Un%ort#n)te$,, respon!ent?spo#ses *re)1(e! t(eir o*$i-)tion #n!er t(e
ret)iner )-ree/ent +(en t(e, re%#se! )n! %)i$e! to p), petitionerSs )ttorne,Ss %ees in
)11or!)n1e +it( t(eir )-ree/ent. Eorse, +(en petitioner /ove! %or t(e iss#)n1e o% ) +rit o%
eCe1#tion, s(e !is1overe! to (er !is/), t()t respon!ent?spo#ses ()! no /ore $evi)*$e
properties eC1ept ) %e+ person)$ properties )/o#ntin- to on$, P=,399.99. n %)1t, *, /)5in- it
)ppe)r t()t it +)s N)t)$i) Re)$t,, n1. +(i1( so$! respon!ent?spo#sesS <= (e1t)res to
respon!ent Yo$)n!) P. A$)no, petitioner not on$, ()! ) 1)#se o% )1tion )-)inst respon!ent?
spo#ses *#t $i5e+ise )-)inst Yo$)n!) P. A$)no. C$e)r$,, )$$ t(ese inst)n1es +(i1( +ere )$$e-e!
)n! en#/er)te! in t(e se1on! A/en!e! Co/p$)int 1onstit#te ) s#%%i1ient 1)#se o% )1tion on
t(e p)rt o% petitioner.

T(e tri)$ 1o#rt )n! t(e Co#rt o% Appe)$s s(o#$! not ()ve *een too ri-i! in )pp$,in- t(e r#$e t()t
in reso$vin- ) /otion to !is/iss on t(e -ro#n! o% %)i$#re to st)te ) 1)#se o% )1tion, on$, t(e
)ver/ents in t(e 1o/p$)int )n! no ot(er )re to *e 1ons#$te!. T(e r#$e )!/its o% eC1eptions.

First' A$$ !o1#/ents )tt)1(e! to ) 1o/p$)int, t(e !#e eCe1#tion )n! -en#ineness o% +(i1( )re
not !enie! #n!er o)t( *, t(e !e%en!)nt, /#st *e 1onsi!ere! )s p)rt o% t(e 1o/p$)int +it(o#t
nee! o% intro!#1in- evi!en1e t(ereon.6= ICit, o% Ce*# v. Co#rt o% Appe)$s, <38 SCRA 643
:6772;J

Att)1(e! to t(e se1on! A/en!e! Co/p$)int is t(e Dee! o% S)$e t(e !#e eCe1#tion )n!
-en#ineness o% +(i1( +ere never !enie! *, respon!ents. E(i$e )!/itte!$,, petitioner is not )
p)rt, to t(e Dee! o% S)$e, nevert(e$ess, s(e )n1(ors (er ri-(t #pon t(e )$$e-)tion t()t (er s()re
in t(e =3 (e1t)res o% $)n! )+)r!e! to respon!ent?spo#ses +)s pre0#!i1e! *, t(e si/#$)te! s)$e
to Yo$)n!) P. A$)no. T(e )$$e-)tion t()t t(e Dee! o% S)$e +)s si/#$)te! !oes not ()ve to *e
prove! )t t(e o#tset )s it 1o#$! *e !one !#rin- t(e tri)$ on t(e /erits o% t(e 1)se.

Se1on!' Ot(er p$e)!in-s s#*/itte! *, t(e p)rties, in )!!ition to t(e 1o/p$)int, /), *e
1onsi!ere! in !e1i!in- +(et(er t(e 1o/p$)int s(o#$! *e !is/isse! %or $)15 o% 1)#se o% )1tion.6@
I!., p. 648.J

n Cit, o% Ce*# v. Co#rt o% Appe)$s63 IS#pr).J t(is Co#rt (e$! t(#s ?

Bn t(e 1)se o% T)n v. Dire1tor o% Forestr, :6<3 SCRA =9<;, t(is 1o#rt !ep)rte! %ro/ t(e
)%ore/entione! r#$e )n! (e$! t()t, TC C C )$t(o#-( t(e evi!en1e o% t(e p)rties +ere on t(e
"#estion o% -r)ntin- or !en,in- t(e petitioner?)ppe$$)ntSs )pp$i1)tion %or ) +rit o% pre$i/in)r,
in0#n1tion, t(e tri)$ 1o#rt 1orre1t$, )pp$ie! s)i! evi!en1e in t(e reso$#tion o% t(e /otion to
!is/iss.S Li5e+ise, in M)r1opper Minin- Corpor)tion v. G)r1i) :6@= SCRA 648;, +e s)n1tione!
t(e )1t o% t(e tri)$ 1o#rt in 1onsi!erin-, in )!!ition to t(e 1o/p$)int, ot(er p$e)!in-s s#*/itte!
*, t(e p)rties in !e1i!in- +(et(er or not t(e 1o/p$)int s(o#$! *e !is/isse! %or $)15 o% 1)#se o%
)1tion. T(is Co#rt !ee/e! s#1( 1o#rse o% )1tion *#t $o-i1)$ +(ere t(e tri)$ 1o#rt ()! t(e
opport#nit, to eC)/ine t(e /erits o% t(e 1o/p$)int, t(e )ns+er +it( 1o#nter1$)i/, t(e
petitionerSs )ns+er to t(e 1o#nter1$)i/ )n! its )ns+er to t(e re"#est %or )!/ission.B

n t(e inst)nt 1)se, )si!e %ro/ t(e ori-in)$ )n! t(e )/en!e! 1o/p$)int, t(e $o+er 1o#rt ()!
ever, opport#nit, to st#!, t(e /erits o% t(e 1)se *, eC)/inin- t(e ot(er p$e)!in-s s#*/itte!
*, t(e p)rties s#1( )s t(e Motion %or C)n1e$$)tion o% t(e Noti1es o% Lis Pen!ens )n! Attorne,Ss
Lien, Ans+er to nterro-)tories o% P$)inti%%, Opposition to Motion %or C)n1e$$)tion o% t(e Noti1es
o% Lis Pen!ens )n! Attorne,Ss Lien, Ans+er +it( Co#nter1$)i/, Ans+er +it( Co#nter1$)i/ )n!
Spe1i)$.A%%ir/)tive De%enses, Rep$, to Spe1i)$.A%%ir/)tive De%enses )n! Ans+er to
Co#nter1$)i/ o% De%en!)nt Spo#ses Epi%)nio )n! Ce1i$i) A$)no, Ans+er o% De%en!)nt N)t)$i)
Re)$t,, n1., Ans+er to Co#nter1$)i/ o% De%en!)nt N)t)$i) Re)$t,, n1., nterro-)tories to
De%en!)nt N)t)$i) Re)$t,, n1., A/en!e! Ans+er +it( Co#nter1$)i/ to De%en!)nt Yo$)n!) P.
A$)no )n! Opposition to A!/it A/en!e! Ans+er %or Yo$)n!) P. A$)no.

t is on$, $o-i1)$ %or t(e $o+er 1o#rt to 1onsi!er )$$ t(ese p$e)!in-s in !eter/inin- +(et(er t(ere
+)s ) s#%%i1ient 1)#se o% )1tion )s t(e or!er o% !is/iss)$ is s#//)r, in n)t#re.62 IM)r1opper
Minin- Corpor)tion v. G)r1i), 6@= SCRA 648 :6782;J So $on- )s t(ose )tt)1(e! p$e)!in-s )re
pro1e!#r)$$, responsive to t(e 1o/p$)int, t(en t(e, /), *e 1onsi!ere! in ev)$#)tin- t(e
s#%%i1ien1, o% t(e 1)#se o% )1tion in t(e 1o/p$)int. n )!!ition, sin1e t(e !is/iss)$ o% )
1o/p$)int *, virt#e o% ) /otion to !is/iss %or %)i$#re to st)te or %or ins#%%i1ien1, o% 1)#se o%
)1tion +o#$! *e t)nt)/o#nt to ) s#//)r, 0#!-/ent, t(e $o+er 1o#rt s(o#$! )t $e)st ()ve
1onsi!ere! t(e )tt)1(e! !o1#/ents )n! p$e)!in-s )s ) /)tter o% !#e pro1ess. Stri1t$, $i/itin-
t(e ev)$#)tion o% t(e /erits o% t(e 1o/p$)int to its )ver/ents or )$$e-)tions +o#$! *e too
1onstri1tin- )n interpret)tion o% t(e r#$e. t /#st *e re/e/*ere! t()t t(e 1o/p$)int itse$% is
)11o/p)nie! *, !o1#/ent)r, evi!en1e )tt)1(e! )s )nneCes. T(e responsive p$e)!in-s, in
)!!ition, t(o#-( not )tt)1(/ents to t(e 1o/p$)int, 1$)ri%, its /erits sin1e t(e, )re )$re)!, p)rt
o% t(e re1or!s o% t(e 1)se )n! s(o#$! t(ere%ore *e 1onsi!ere!.

E()t t(is Co#rt %in!s #n#s#)$ is t(e ti/in- o% t(e s)$e )n! t(e re)son +(, t(e s()re o% t(e
respon!ent?spo#ses )s p)rt o% t(e sett$e/ent t(e, ()! +it( N)t)$i) Re)$t,, n1. ()! to *e so$!
to t(eir !)#-(ter Yo$)n!) P. A$)no *, t(e s)i! 1orpor)tion. T(ese "#estions i//e!i)te$,
/)ni%este! t(e/se$ves %ro/ ) re)!in- o% t(e t+o !o1#/ents )tt)1(e! to t(e se1on! A/en!e!
Co/p$)int. T(e ret)iner )-ree/ent provi!e!, t(#s'

BT(is is to 1on%ir/ in +ritin- o#r )-ree/ent to ret)in ,o#r $e-)$ servi1es to represent #s in t(e
Se1#rities )n! EC1()n-e Co//ission, )n! #nti$ t(e S#pre/e Co#rt, i% ne1ess)r,, in o#r )1tion to
re1over +()tever re)$ properties, /one,s, )n! ot(er )ssets, p$#s !)/)-es, )s /), *e !#e or
pert)in to #s *, re)son o% o#r sto15(o$!in-s in t(e N)t)$i) Re)$t,, n1. #n!er t(e %o$$o+in-
ter/s )n! 1on!itions'

C C C.............................C C C.............................C C C.B :E/p()sis s#pp$ie!;

T(e )*ove )-ree/ent res#$te! in t(e %i$in- o% SEC C)se No. =93@, %or $i"#i!)tion, )11o#ntin- )n!
!)/)-es, +it( pre$i/in)r, in0#n1tion )-)inst E#-enio S. B)$t)o )n! %ive ot(ers o% t(e N)t)$i)
Re)$t,, n1.

App)rent$,, on De1e/*er <8, 6788, or siC !),s *e%ore respon!ent?spo#ses %i$e! t(eir /otion to
!is/iss t(e SEC 1)se on &)n#)r, =, 6787, ) !ee! o% s)$e +)s )$re)!, eCe1#te! *et+een N)t)$i)
Re)$t,, n1. )n! respon!ent?spo#sesS !)#-(ter Yo$)n!) A$)no. n s)i! !ee!, N)t)$i) Re)$t,, n1.
so$! <= (e1t)res, o#t o% t(e tot)$ =<.@ (e1t)res )+)r!e! to t(e A$)no spo#ses, to Yo$)n!) A$)no
%or P399,999.99.

Ee 1)nnot 1o/pre(en! +(, <= (e1t)res )+)r!e! to t(e A$)no spo#ses )s t(eir ri-(t%#$ s()re
*, virt#e o% t(eir sto15(o$!in-s in N)t)$i) Re)$t,, n1. +ere so$! to t(eir !)#-(ter. T(e SEC 1)se
+)s pre1ise$, initi)te! *, t(e A$)no spo#ses to re1over t(eir ri-(t%#$ s()re in s)i! 1o/p)n,. n
%)1t, ) 1$ose per#s)$ o% t(e p$e)!in-s )tt)1(e! to t(e re1or!s o% t(e 1)se, p)rti1#$)r$, t(e
Ans+er to nterro-)tories o% P$)inti%%, +o#$! reve)$ t()t t(ere )re not eno#-( p)r1e$s o% $)n! to
s)tis%, petitionerSs )ttorne,Ss %ees. n t(e Ans+er to t(e nterro-)tories o% P$)inti%%, it +)s
!is1$ose! t()t t(e re/)inin- 6< (e1t)res o% $)n! o#t o% t(e =3 (e1t)res )+)r!e! to respon!ent?
spo#ses +ere )$re)!, 1e!e! to Att,. Antonio R)"#i>), respon!ent?spo#sesS %or/er $)+,er. T(is
on$, stren-t(ens )n! $en!s 1re!en1e to t(e s#spi1ion t()t respon!ent?spo#ses inten!e! to
!e%r)#! petitioner o% (er )ttorne,Ss %ees )n! t()t t(e Dee! o% S)$e +)s in!ee! si/#$)te!.

n )n, 1)se, t(is Co#rt ()s (e$! t()t +(ere Bt(e )$$e-)tions in t(e 1o/p$)int )re )/*i-#o#s,
in!e%inite or #n1ert)in *#t, nevert(e$ess, ) 1)#se o% )1tion 1)n, in )n, /)nner, *e /)!e o#t
t(ere%ro/, )n! t(e p$)inti%% +o#$! *e entit$e! to re1over in )n, )spe1t o% t(e %)1ts or )n,
1o/*in)tion o% t(e %)1ts )$$e-e!, i% t(e, +ere to *e prove!, t(en t(e /otion to !is/iss s(o#$!
*e !enie!.B64 IS#/#$on-, et )$. v. Co#rt o% Appe)$s, et )$., <=< SCRA =4< )s 1ite! in Cit, o% Ce*#
v. Co#rt o% Appe)$s, <38 SCRA 643 :6772;J n ot(er +or!s, ) 1o/p$)int s(o#$! not *e !is/isse!
%or ins#%%i1ien1, o% 1)#se o% )1tion #n$ess it )ppe)rs 1$e)r$, %ro/ t(e %)1e o% t(e 1o/p$)int t()t
t(e p$)inti%% is not entit$e! to )n, re$ie% #n!er )n, st)te o% %)1ts +(i1( 1o#$! *e prove! +it(in
t(e %)1ts )$$e-e! t(erein.68 I*i!.J A re)!in- o% s)i! 1o/p$)int p$#s t(e )tt)1(e! !o1#/ents )n!
p$e)!in-s s(o+ t()t petitioner is entit$e! to re$ie%.

Eit( re-)r! to t(e se1on! )ssi-ne! error, petitioner s#*/its t()t t(e Co#rt o% Appe)$s erre! in
or!erin- t(e 1)n1e$$)tion o% t(e noti1e o% $is pen!ens on t(e -ro#n!s t()t it is not ne1ess)r, %or
t(e prote1tion o% petitionerSs ri-(ts )n! t()t t(e 1o/p$)int is not )n )1tion )%%e1tin- tit$e )n!
possession o% re)$ propert,.

Petitioner /)int)ins t()t t(e )nnot)tion o% t(e noti1e o% $is pen!ens is ne1ess)r, to prote1t (er
1$)i/ in)s/#1( )s ?

);....t(e respon!ent spo#ses ()! in %)1t no $evi)*$e properties +(en $ev, on eCe1#tion +)s
)tte/pte! *, t(e s(eri%% to s)tis%, t(e !e1ision in Civi$ C)se No. 349<=, proo% t(ereo% *ein- t(e
s(eri%%Ss ret#rnL

*;....)$t(o#-( =<.@ (e1t)res +ere -iven to t(e respon!ent spo#ses *, virt#e o% t(e 1o/pro/ise
)-ree/ent +it( respon!ent N)t)$i) Re)$t,, n1. in SEC C)se No. =93@, =9F o% s)i! )re) +)s, )t
t(e inst)n1e o% s)i! respon!ent spo#ses, !ire1t$, tr)ns%erre! to t(eir 1re!itor, Antonio R)"#i>),
*, N)t)$i) Re)$t,, n1., )n! t()t t(e re/)inin- )re) !#e t(e respon!ent spo#ses +)s Bro#n!e!
o%%B to <= (e1t)res, t(ese t(en *ein- si/#$)te! 1onve,)n1e to t(eir !)#-(ter, respon!ent
Yo$)n!) P. A$)no.

Petitioner %#rt(er )r-#es t()t *)se! on Se1tion 6@, R#$e 6= o% t(e Revise! R#$es o% Co#rt )n!
Se1tion 42 o% t(e Propert, Re-istr)tion De1ree, Bt(e +(o$e point o% t(e )1tion initi)te! *, t()t
1o/p$)int +)s )n! is to vin!i1)te petitionerSs ri-(t to )n #n!ivi!e! portion o% t(e $)n!s s#*0e1t
o% t(e "#estione! s)$e, o% +(i1( s(e ()! *een !eprive! *, t(e %r)#!#$ent /)1(in)tions o%
priv)te respon!ents.B S#1( is ) re)$ )1tion )%%e1tin- tit$e or possession o% re)$ propert, in +(i1(
) noti1e o% $is pen!ens is proper )n! 0#sti%ie!.

PetitionerSs )r-#/ent is +e$$?t)5en. T(e noti1e o% $is pen!ens is )n )nno#n1e/ent to t(e +(o$e
+or$! t()t ) p)rti1#$)r re)$ propert, is in $iti-)tion, )n! serves )s ) +)rnin- t()t one +(o
)1"#ires )n interest over s)i! propert, !oes so )t (is o+n ris5, or t()t (e -)/*$es on t(e res#$t
o% t(e $iti-)tion over s)i! propert,.67 IKi$$)n#ev) v. Co#rt o% Appe)$s, <86 SCRA <78 :6774;J

n Kie+/)ster Constr#1tion Corpor)tion v. Re,n)$!o Y. M)#$it )n! E!-)r!o C)stro,<9 IG.R. No.
6=2<8=, Fe*r#)r, <7, <999 1itin- M)-!)$en) Ho/eo+ners Asso1i)tion, n1. v. Co#rt o% Appe)$s,
68@ SCRA =<3 :6779;J t(is Co#rt !i! not 1on%ine t(e )v)i$)*i$it, o% $is pen!ens on$, to 1)ses
invo$vin- t(e tit$e to or possession o% re)$ propert, +(en it (e$! t()t'

BA11or!in- to Se1tion <@, R#$e 6@ o% t(e R#$es o% Co#rt )n! Se1tion 42 o% Presi!enti)$ De1ree
No. 63<7, ) noti1e o% $is pen!ens is proper in t(e %o$$o+in- 1)ses, vi>.'

);....An )1tion to re1over possession o% re)$ est)teL

*;....An )1tion to "#iet tit$e t(eretoL

1;....An )1tion to re/ove 1$o#!s t(ereonL

!;....An )1tion %or p)rtitionL )n!

e;....An, ot(er pro1ee!in-s o% )n, 5in! in Co#rt !ire1t$, )%%e1tin- t(e tit$e to t(e $)n! or t(e #se
or o11#p)tion t(ereo% or t(e *#i$!in-s t(ereon.B :t)$i1s s#pp$ie!;

Gr)ntin- t()t petitionerSs )1tion is not, )1t#)$$,, one !ire1t$, )%%e1tin- tit$e to or possession o%
re)$ propert,, sti$$, in t(e Kie+/)ster 1)se, t(e per1eption o% t(is Co#rt is t()t t(e r#$e o% $is
pen!ens $i5e+ise pert)ine! to t(e %o$$o+in-'

BC C C )$$ s#its or )1tions +(i1( !ire1t$, )%%e1t re)$ propert, )n! not on$, t(ose +(i1( invo$ve t(e
"#estion o% tit$e, *#t )$so t(ose +(i1( )re *ro#-(t to est)*$is( )n e"#it)*$e est)te, interest, or
ri-(t, in spe1i%i1 re)$ propert, or to en%or1e )n, $ien, 1()r-e, or en1#/*r)n1e )-)inst it, t(ere
*ein- in so/e 1)ses ) $is pen!ens, )$t(o#-( )t t(e 1o//en1e/ent o% t(e s#it t(ere is no
present veste! interest, 1$)i/, or $ien in or on t(e propert, +(i1( it see5s to 1()r-e. t ()s )$so
*een (e$! to )pp$, in t(e 1)se o% ) pro1ee!in- to !e1$)re )n )*so$#te !ee! o% /ort-)-e, or to
re!ee/ %ro/ ) %ore1$os#re s)$e, or to est)*$is( ) tr#st, or to s#its %or t(e sett$e/ent )n!
)!0#st/ent o% p)rtners(ip interests.B :t)$i1s s#pp$ie!;

n t(is 1)se, petitioner 1$)i/e! )n interest or ri-(t in t(e propert, spe1i%i1)$$, s#*0e1t o% t(e
)$$e-e! si/#$)te! s)$e. n %)1t, t(e o*0e1t o% t(e 1o/p$)int is not on$, to en%or1e ) $ien or
en1#/*r)n1e )-)inst t(e s#*0e1t propert, *#t to en%or1e ) v)$i! 1$)i/ )s 1$e)r$, s(o+n in t(e
pr),er.

Keri$,, petitionerSs pr),er in (er se1on! A/en!e! Co/p$)int is /ore t()n )!e"#)te to 0#sti%,
t(e re-istr)tion o% ) noti1e o% $is pen!ens +(en it pr),e! %or t(e %o$$o+in- re$ie%s'

B:);....De1$)rin- t(e !ee! o% s)$e eCe1#te! *, De%en!)nt N)t)$i) Re)$t, n1. in %)vor o%
De%en!)nt Yo$)n!) P. A$)no, AnneC BCB o% t(is 1o/p$)int, n#$$ )n! voi! )* initio )s +e$$ )s t(e
1orrespon!in- tr)ns%er 1erti%i1)tes o% tit$e iss#e! *, t(e Re-ister o% Dee!s %or M)ri5in), Metro
M)ni$), in t(e n)/e o% De%en!)nt Yo$)n!) P. A$)no )s ) 1onse"#en1e o% t(e s)/e, )s %o$$o+s'

Tr)ns%er Certi%i1)te o% Tit$e

Boo5 No.

No. 648347

T?876

Nos. 62<82= to

T?86=

62=9=@ in1$#sive

T?86@

Nos. 629276 to

T?89<

6297@6 in1$#sive

T?89=



T?89@

Nos. 643@9@ to

T?843

643@== in1$#sive



:*;....Or!erin- !e%en!)nts to tr)ns%er, 1e!e )n! )ssi-n to p$)inti%% <=,297 s"#)re /eters o% t(e
$)n! s#*0e1t o% s)i! voi! )n! ineCistent s)$e, in p)rti)$ p),/ent o% t(e )ttorne,Ss %ees !#e (er
%or servi1es ren!ere! to De%en!)nts?Spo#ses Epi%)nio &. A$)no )n! Ce1i$i) P. A$)no in SEC C)se
No. =93@L

:1;....Or!erin- t(e !e%en!)nts, 0oint$, )n! sever)$$,, to p), p$)inti%% )ttorne,Ss %ees in t(e
)/o#nt o% Fi%t, T(o#s)n! Pesos :P39,999.99;, /or)$ !)/)-es in t(e )/o#nt o% T+o H#n!re!
T(o#s)n! Pesos :P<99,999.99;, )n! eCe/p$)r, !)/)-es in t(e )/o#nt o% One H#n!re!
T(o#s)n! Pesos :P699,999.99;, p$#s 1osts o% s#it.B

T(e )*ove?1ite! pr),er in t(e se1on! A/en!e! Co/p$)int s(o+s t()t it !ire1t$, )%%e1ts t(e tit$e
to or possession o% s)i! re)$ properties. t is spe1i%i1 eno#-( )s it re%ers to ) portion 1overe! *,
t(e )*ove?/entione! Tr)ns%er Certi%i1)tes o% Tit$e 1overin- <=,297 s"#)re /eters o% t(e s#*0e1t
re)$ propert,. T(e Noti1e o% Lis Pen!ens is ne1ess)r, to prote1t petitionerSs ri-(t espe1i)$$,
sin1e respon!ents )$$e-e!$, inten!e! to !e%r)#! petitioner )s s(o+n *, t(e s)$e #n!er
s#spi1io#s 1ir1#/st)n1es o% t(e respon!ent?spo#sesS sett$e/ent s()re o% s#*0e1t propert, *,
N)t)$i) Re)$t,, n1. to t(e %or/erSs !)#-(ter, respon!ent Yo$)n!) P. A$)no.

P$)in$,, t(e $o+er 1o#rtSs )n! t(e Co#rt o% Appe)$sS /is)pp$i1)tion o% t(e r#$e on $is pen!ens +i$$
$e)ve petitionerSs 1$)i/ #nprote1te!. As t(is Co#rt ()s st)te! in t(e Kie+/)ster 1)se'

BT(e Co#rt is not (ere s),in- t()t petitioner is entit$e! to t(e re$ie%s pr),e! %or in its Co/p$)int
pen!in- in t(e RTC. Keri$,, t(ere is no re"#ire/ent t()t t(e ri-(t to or t(e interest in t(e
propert, s#*0e1t o% ) $is pen!ens *e proven *, t(e )pp$i1)nt. T(e R#$e /ere$, re"#ires t()t )n
)%%ir/)tive re$ie% *e 1$)i/e!. A not)tion o% $is pen!ens neit(er )%%e1ts t(e /erits o% ) 1)se nor
1re)tes ) ri-(t or ) $ien. t /ere$, prote1ts t(e )pp$i1)ntSs ri-(ts, +(i1( +i$$ *e !eter/ine!
!#rin- t(e tri)$.B

n Ginete v. Co#rt o% Appe)$s,<6 I<72 SCRA =8 :6778; 1itin- O*#t v. Co#rt o% Appe)$s, 49 SCRA
3@2 :6742; )s 1ite! in Rep#*$i1 v. Co#rt o% Appe)$s, 8= SCRA @3= :6748;J t(is Co#rt (e$! t()t
I+J()t s(o#$! -#i!e 0#!i1i)$ )1tion is t(e prin1ip$e t()t ) p)rt,?$iti-)nt is to *e -iven t(e %#$$est
opport#nit, to est)*$is( t(e /erits o% (is 1o/p$)int or !e%ense r)t(er t()n %or (i/ to $ose $i%e,
$i*ert,, (onor or propert, on te1(ni1)$ities. n t(e s)/e 1)se, t(is Co#rt e/p()si>e! t()t t(e
r#$es o% pro1e!#re s(o#$! *e vie+e! )s /ere too$s !esi-ne! to %)1i$it)te t(e )tt)in/ent o%
0#sti1e. T(eir stri1t )n! ri-i! )pp$i1)tion, +(i1( +o#$! res#$t in te1(ni1)$ities t()t ten! to
%r#str)te r)t(er t()n pro/ote s#*st)nti)$ 0#sti1e, /#st )$+),s *e es1(e+e!.

EHEREFORE, t(e petition is GRANTED )n! t(e De1ision !)te! A#-#st 67, 677@ o% t(e Co#rt o%
Appe)$s in CA?G.R. CK =8=89 is REKERSED )n! SET ASDE. T(e 1)se is REMANDED to t(e
Re-ion)$ Tri)$ Co#rt o% Antipo$o, Ri>)$, +(i1( is or!ere! to pro1ee! +it( t(e tri)$ o% Civi$ C)se
No. 79?6478. T(e Re-ister o% Dee!s o% t(e Provin1e o% Ri>)$ )n! t(e Re-ister o% Dee!s o% Ri>)$,
M)ri5in) Br)n1( )re !ire1te! to /)int)in t(e )nnot)tion o% $is pen!ens in t(e 1erti%i1)tes o%
tit$e to t(e properties s#*0e1t o% s)i! 1)se #nti$ %in)$ 0#!-/ent t(erein. No 1osts.

SO ORDERED.

D)vi!e, &r., C.&., :C()ir/)n;, P#no, P)p#n)n, )n! P)r!o, &&., 1on1#r.

EN BANC
IG.R. No. 7=699. &#ne 67, 6774J

ATLAS FERTLZER CORPORATON, petitioner, vs. THE HONORABLE SECRETARY OF THE
DEPARTMENT OF AGRARAN REFORM, respon!ent.
IG.R. No. 74833. &#ne 67, 6774J

PHLPPNE FEDERATON OF FSHFARM PRODUCERS, NC., petitioner, vs. THE HONORABLE
SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRARAN REFORM, respon!ent.
R E S O L U T O N
ROMERO, &.'

Be%ore t(is Co#rt )re 1onso$i!)te! petitions "#estionin- t(e 1onstit#tion)$it, o% so/e portions
o% Rep#*$i1 A1t No. 2234 ot(er+ise 5no+n )s t(e Co/pre(ensive A-r)ri)n Re%or/ L)+.I6J

Petitioners At$)s Ferti$i>er Corpor)tion,I<J P(i$ippine Fe!er)tion o% Fis(%)r/ Pro!#1ers, n1. )n!
petitioner?in?intervention Ar1(ieSs Fis(pon!, n1. )n! Arsenio A$. A1#n)I=J )re en-)-e! in t(e
)"#)1#$t#re in!#str, #ti$i>in- %is(pon!s )n! pr)+n %)r/s. T(e, )ss)i$ Se1tions = :*;, 66, 6=, 62
:!;, 64 )n! =< o% R.A. 2234, )s +e$$ )s t(e i/p$e/entin- -#i!e$ines )n! pro1e!#res 1ont)ine!
in A!/inistr)tive Or!er Nos. 8 )n! 69 Series o% 6788 iss#e! *, p#*$i1 respon!ent Se1ret)r, o%
t(e Dep)rt/ent o% A-r)ri)n Re%or/ )s #n1onstit#tion)$.

Petitioners 1$)i/ t()t t(e "#estione! provisions o% CARL vio$)te t(e Constit#tion in t(e
%o$$o+in- /)nner'

6. Se1tions = :*;, 66, 6=, 62 :!;, 64 )n! =< o% CARL eCten! )-r)ri)n re%or/ to )"#)1#$t#re $)n!s
even )s Se1tion @, Arti1$e G o% t(e 1onstit#tion $i/its )-r)ri)n re%or/ on$, to )-ri1#$t#re $)n!s.

<. T(e "#estione! provisions si/i$)r$, tre)t o% )"#)1#$t#re $)n!s )n! )-ri1#$t#re $)n!s +(en
t(e, )re !i%%erent$, sit#)te!, )n! !i%%erent$, tre)t )"#)1#$t#re $)n!s )n! ot(er in!#stri)$ $)n!s,
+(en t(e, )re si/i$)r$, sit#)te! in vio$)tion o% t(e 1onstit#tion)$ -#)r)ntee o% t(e e"#)$
prote1tion o% t(e $)+s.

=. T(e "#estione! provisions !istort e/p$o,/ent *ene%its )n! *#r!ens in %)vor o% )"#)1#$t#re
e/p$o,ees )n! )-)inst ot(er in!#stri)$ +or5ers even )s Se1tion 6 )n! =, Arti1$e G o% t(e
Constit#tion /)n!)te t(e St)te to pro/ote e"#)$it, in e1ono/i1 )n! e/p$o,/ent
opport#nities.

@. T(e "#estione! provisions !eprive petitioner o% its -overn/ent?in!#1e! invest/ents in
)"#)1#$t#re even )s Se1tions < )n! =, Arti1$e G o% t(e Constit#tion /)n!)te t(e St)te to
respe1t t(e %ree!o/ o% enterprise )n! t(e ri-(t o% enterprises to re)son)*$e ret#rns on
invest/ents )n! to eCp)nsion )n! -ro+t(.

T(e 1onstit#tion)$it, o% t(e )*ove?/entione! provisions ()s *een r#$e! #pon in t(e 1)se o% L#>
F)r/s, n1. v. Se1ret)r, o% A-r)ri)n Re%or/I@J re-)r!in- t(e in1$#sion o% $)n! !evote! to t(e
r)isin- o% $ivesto15, po#$tr, )n! s+ine in its 1over)-e.

T(e iss#e no+ *e%ore t(is Co#rt is t(e 1onstit#tion)$it, o% t(e s)/e )*ove?/entione!
provisions inso%)r )s t(e, in1$#!e in its 1over)-e $)n!s !evote! to t(e )"#)1#$t#re in!#str,,
p)rti1#$)r$, %is(pon!s )n! pr)+n %)r/s.

n t(eir %irst )r-#/ent, petitioners 1onten! t()t in t(e 1)se o% L#> F)r/s, n1. v. Se1ret)r, o%
A-r)ri)n Re%or/,I3J t(is Co#rt ()s )$re)!, r#$e! i/p$ie!$, t()t $)n!s !evote! to %is(in- )re not
)-ri1#$t#re $)n!s. n )"#)1#$t#re, %is(pon!s )n! pr)+n %)r/s, t(e #se o% $)n! is on$, in1i!ent)$
to )n! not t(e prin1ip)$ %)1tor in pro!#1tivit, )n!, (en1e, )s (e$! in UL#> F)r/s,V t(e, too
s(o#$! *e eC1$#!e! %ro/ R.A. 2234 0#st )s $)n!s !evote! to $ivesto15, s+ine, )n! po#$tr, ()ve
*een eC1$#!e! %or t(e s)/e re)son. T(e, )$so )r-#e t()t t(e, )re entit$e! to t(e %#$$ *ene%it o%
UL#> F)r/sV to t(e e%%e1t t()t on$, %ive per1ent o% t(e tot)$ invest/ent in )"#)1#$t#re )1tivities,
%is(pon!s, )n! pr)+n %)r/s, is in t(e %or/ o% $)n!, )n! t(ere%ore, 1)nnot *e 1$)ssi%ie! )s
)-ri1#$t#r)$ )1tivit,. F#rt(er, t()t in %is(pon!s )n! pr)+n %)r/s, t(ere )re no %)r/ers, nor %)r/
+or5ers, +(o ti$$ $)n!s, )n! no )-r)ri)n #nrest, )n! t(ere%ore, t(e 1onstit#tion)$$, inten!e!
*ene%i1i)ries #n!er Se1tion @, Art. G, 6784 Constit#tion !o not eCist in )"#)1#$t#re.

n t(eir se1on! )r-#/ent, t(e, 1onten! t()t R.A. 2234, *, in1$#!in- in its 1over)-e, t(e r)isin-
o% %is( )n! )"#)1#$t#re oper)tions in1$#!in- %is(pon!s )n! pr)+n pon!s, tre)tin- t(e/ )s in
t(e s)/e 1$)ss or 1$)ssi%i1)tion )s )-ri1#$t#re or %)r/in- vio$)tes t(e e"#)$ prote1tion 1$)#se o%
t(e Constit#tion )n! is, t(ere%ore, voi!. F#rt(er, t(e Constit#tion)$ Co//ission !e*)tes s(o+
t()t t(e intent o% t(e 1onstit#tion)$ %r)/ers is to eC1$#!e Uin!#stri)$V $)n!s, to +(i1( 1)te-or,
$)n!s !evote! to )"#)1#$t#re, %is(pon!s, )n! %is( %)r/s *e$on-.

Petitioners )$so 1$)i/ t()t A!/inistr)tive Or!er Nos. 8 )n! 69 iss#e! *, t(e Se1ret)r, o% t(e
Dep)rt/ent o% A-r)ri)n Re%or/ )re, $i5e+ise, #n1onstit#tion)$, )s (e$! in UL#> F)r/s,V )n! )re
t(ere%ore voi! )s t(e, i/p$e/ent t(e )ss)i$e! provisions o% CARL.

T(e provisions o% CARL *ein- )ss)i$e! )s #n1onstit#tion)$ )re )s %o$$o+s'

:); Se1tion =:*; +(i1( in1$#!es t(e Ur)isin- o% %is( in t(e !e%inition o% UA-ri1#$t#r)$,
A-ri1#$t#r)$ Enterprise or A-ri1#$t#r)$ A1tivit,.V :Un!ers1orin- S#pp$ie!;

:*; Se1tion 66 +(i1( !e%ines U1o//er1i)$ %)r/sV )s priv)te )-ri1#$t#r)$ $)n!s !evote! to
%is(pon!s )n! pr)+n pon!s C C C.V :Un!ers1orin- S#pp$ie!;

:1; Se1tion 6= +(i1( 1)$$s #pon petitioner to eCe1#te ) pro!#1tion?s()rin- p$)n.

:!; Se1tion 62 :!; )n! 64 +(i1( vest on t(e Dep)rt/ent o% A-r)ri)n re%or/ t(e )#t(orit, to
s#//)ri$, !eter/ine t(e 0#st 1o/pens)tion to *e p)i! %or $)n!s 1overe! *, t(e 1o/pre(ensive
A-r)ri)n re%or/ L)+.

:e; Se1tion =< +(i1( spe$$s o#t t(e pro!#1tion?s()rin- p$)n /entione! in Se1tion 6=?

UC C C :E;(ere*, t(ree per1ent :=F; o% t(e -ross s)$es %ro/ t(e pro!#1tion o% s#1( $)n!s )re
!istri*#te! +it(in siCt, :29; !),s )t t(e en! o% t(e %is1)$ ,e)r )s 1o/pens)tion to re-#$)r )n!
ot(er %)r/+or5ers in s#1( $)n!s over )n! )*ove t(e 1o/pens)tion t(e, 1#rrent$, re1eive'
Provi!e!, T()t t(ese in!ivi!#)$s or entities re)$i>e -ross s)$es in eC1ess o% %ive /i$$ion pesos per
)nn#/ #n$ess t(e DAR, #pon proper )pp$i1)tion, !eter/ines ) $o+er 1ei$in-.

n t(e event t()t t(e in!ivi!#)$ or entit, re)$i>es ) pro%it, )n )!!ition)$ ten per1ent :69F; o% t(e
net pro%it )%ter t)C s()$$ *e !istri*#te! to s)i! re-#$)r )n! ot(er %)r/+or5ers +it(in ninet, :79;
!),s o% t(e en! o% t(e %is1)$ ,e)r. C C CV

E(i$e t(e Co#rt +i$$ not (esit)te to !e1$)re ) $)+ or )n )1t voi! +(en 1on%ronte! s"#)re$, +it(
1onstit#tion)$ iss#es, neit(er +i$$ it pree/pt t(e Le-is$)tive )n! t(e ECe1#tive *r)n1(es o% t(e
-overn/ent in 1orre1tin- or 1$)ri%,in-, *, /e)ns o% )/en!/ent, s)i! $)+ or )1t. On Fe*r#)r,
<9, 6773, Rep#*$i1 A1t No. 4886I2J +)s )pprove! *, Con-ress. Provisions o% s)i! A1t pertinent
to t(e )ss)i$e! provisions o% CARL )re t(e %o$$o+in-'

USe1tion 6. Se1tion =, P)r)-r)p( :*; o% Rep#*$i1 A1t No. 2234 is (ere*, )/en!e! to re)! )s
%o$$o+s'

USe1. =. De%initions. ?? For t(e p#rpose o% t(is A1t, #n$ess t(e 1onteCt in!i1)tes ot(er+ise'

U:*; A-ri1#$t#re, A-ri1#$t#r)$ Enterprise or A-ri1#$t#r)$ A1tivit, /e)ns t(e 1#$tiv)tion o% t(e soi$,
p$)ntin- o% 1rops, -ro+in- o% %r#it trees, in1$#!in- t(e ()rvestin- o% s#1( %)r/ pro!#1ts )n!
ot(er %)r/ )1tivities )n! pr)1ti1es per%or/e! *, ) %)r/er in 1on0#n1tion +it( s#1( %)r/in-
oper)tions !one *, persons +(et(er n)t#r)$ or 0#ri!i1)$.V

Se1. <. Se1tion 69 o% Rep#*$i1 A1t No. 2234 is (ere*, )/en!e! to re)! )s %o$$o+s'

USe1. 69. ECe/ptions )n! EC1$#sions.??

CCC CCC CCC

U*; Priv)te $)n!s )1t#)$$,, !ire1t$, )n! eC1$#sive$, #se! %or pr)+n %)r/s )n! %is(pon!s s()$$ *e
eCe/pt %ro/ t(e 1over)-e o% t(is A1t' Provi!e!, T()t s)i! pr)+n %)r/s )n! %is(pon!s ()ve not
*een !istri*#te! )n! Certi%i1)te o% L)n! O+ners(ip A+)r! :CLOA; iss#e! to )-r)ri)n re%or/
*ene%i1i)ries #n!er t(e Co/pre(ensive A-r)ri)n Re%or/ Pro-r)/.

Un 1)ses +(ere t(e %is(pon!s or pr)+n %)r/s ()ve *een s#*0e1te! to t(e Co/pre(ensive
A-r)ri)n Re%or/ L)+, *, vo$#nt)r, o%%er to se$$, or 1o//er1i)$ %)r/s !e%er/ent or noti1es o%
1o/p#$sor, )1"#isition, ) si/p$e )n! )*so$#te /)0orit, o% t(e )1t#)$ re-#$)r +or5ers or ten)nts
/#st 1onsent to t(e eCe/ption +it(in one :6; ,e)r %ro/ t(e e%%e1tivit, o% t(is A1t. E(en t(e
+or5ers or ten)nts !o not )-ree to t(is eCe/ption, t(e %is(pon!s or pr)+n %)r/s s()$$ *e
!istri*#te! 1o$$e1tive$, to t(e +or5er?*ene%i1i)ries or ten)nts +(o s()$$ %or/ ) 1ooper)tive or
)sso1i)tion to /)n)-e t(e s)/e.

Un 1)ses +(ere t(e %is(pon!s or pr)+n %)r/s ()ve not *een s#*0e1te! to t(e Co/pre(ensive
A-r)ri)n Re%or/ L)+, t(e 1onsent o% t(e %)r/ +or5ers s()$$ no $on-er *e ne1ess)r,, (o+ever,
t(e provision o% Se1tion =<?A (ereo% on in1entives s()$$ )pp$,.V

CCC CCC CCC

Se1. =. Se1tion 66, p)r)-r)p( 6 is (ere*, )/en!e! to re)! )s %o$$o+s'

USe1. 66. Co//er1i)$ F)r/in-.?? Co//er1i)$ F)r/s, +(i1( )re priv)te )-ri1#$t#r)$ $)n!s
!evote! to s)$t *e!s, %r#it %)r/s, or1()r!s, ve-et)*$e )n! 1#t?%$o+er %)r/s, )n! 1)1)o, 1o%%ee
)n! r#**er p$)nt)tions, s()$$ *e s#*0e1t to i//e!i)te 1o/p#$sor, )1"#isition )n! !istri*#tion
)%ter ten :69; ,e)rs %ro/ t(e e%%e1tivit, o% t(is A1t. n t(e 1)se o% ne+ %)r/s, t(e ten?,e)r
perio! s()$$ *e-in %ro/ t(e %irst ,e)r o% 1o//er1i)$ pro!#1tion )n! oper)tion, )s !eter/ine!
*, t(e DAR. D#rin- t(e ten?,e)r perio!, t(e Govern/ent s()$$ initi)te steps ne1ess)r, to
)1"#ire t(ese $)n!s, #pon p),/ent o% 0#st 1o/pens)tion %or t(e $)n! )n! t(e i/prove/ents
t(ereon, pre%er)*$, in %)vor o% or-)ni>e! 1ooper)tives or )sso1i)tions, +(i1( s()$$ t(ere)%ter
/)n)-e t(e s)i! $)n!s %or t(e +or5ers?*ene%i1i)ries.V

Se1. @. T(ere s()$$ *e in1orpor)te! )%ter Se1tion =< o% Rep#*$i1 A1t No. 2234 ) se1tion to re)!
)s %o$$o+s'

USe1. =<?A. n1entives.?? n!ivi!#)$s or entities o+nin- or oper)tin- %is(pon!s )n! pr)+n %)r/s
)re (ere*, /)n!)te! to eCe1#te +it(in siC :2; /ont(s %ro/ t(e e%%e1tivit, o% t(is A1t, )n
in1entive p$)n +it( t(eir re-#$)r %is(pon! or pr)+n %)r/ +or5ersS or-)ni>)tion, i% )n,, +(ere*,
seven point %ive per1ent :4.3F; o% t(eir net pro%it *e%ore t)C %ro/ t(e oper)tion o% t(e %is(pon!
or pr)+n %)r/s )re !istri*#te! +it(in siCt, :29; !),s )t t(e en! o% t(e %is1)$ ,e)r )s
1o/pens)tion to re-#$)r )n! ot(er pon! +or5ers in s#1( pon!s over )n! )*ove t(e
1o/pens)tion t(e, 1#rrent$, re1eive.

Un or!er to s)%e-#)r! t(e ri-(t o% t(e re-#$)r %is(pon! or pr)+n %)r/ +or5ers #n!er t(e
in1entive p$)n, t(e *oo5s o% t(e %is(pon! or pr)+n o+ners s()$$ *e s#*0e1t to perio!i1 )#!it or
inspe1tion *, 1erti%ie! p#*$i1 )11o#nt)nts 1(osen *, t(e +or5ers.

UT(e %ore-oin- provisions s()$$ not )pp$, to )-ri1#$t#r)$ $)n!s s#*se"#ent$, 1onverte! to
%is(pon!s or pr)+n %)r/s provi!e! t(e si>e o% t(e $)n! 1onverte! !oes not eC1ee! t(e
retention $i/it o% t(e $)n!o+ner.V

T(e )*ove?/entione! provisions o% R.A. No. 4886 eCpress$, st)te t()t %is(pon!s )n! pr)+n
%)r/s )re eC1$#!e! %ro/ t(e 1over)-e o% CARL. n vie+ o% t(e %ore-oin-, t(e "#estion
1on1ernin- t(e 1onstit#tion)$it, o% t(e )ss)i$e! provisions ()s *e1o/e /oot )n! )1)!e/i1 +it(
t(e p)ss)-e o% R.A. No. 4886.

EHEREFORE, t(e petition is (ere*, DSMSSED.

SO ORDERED.

N)rv)s), C.&., Re-)$)!o, D)vi!e, &r., Me$o, P#no, Kit#-, Men!o>), Her/osisi/), &r., P)n-)ni*)n,
)n! Torres, &r., &&., 1on1#r.
P)!i$$), Be$$osi$$o, P)p#n)n, )n! Fr)n1is1o, &&., on $e)ve.

I6J Herein re%erre! to )s CARL.

I<J G.R. No. 7=699.

I=J G.R. No. 74833.

I@J 67< SCRA 36 :6779;.

I3J S#pr).

I2J An A1t A/en!in- Cert)in Provisions o% Rep#*$i1 A1t No. 2234, Entit$e! UAn A1t nstit#tin- A
Co/pre(ensive A-r)ri)n Re%or/ Pro-r)/ To Pro/ote So1i)$ &#sti1e An! n!#stri)$i>)tion,
Provi!in- T(e Me1()nis/ For ts /p$e/ent)tion, An! For Ot(er P#rposes.