Category: LATEST SUPREME COURT CASES


CASE 2011-188: OFFICE OF THE COURT ADMINISTRATOR VS. ELSIE C. REMOROZA, CLERK OF COURT, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURT, MAUBAN, QUEZON (A.M. NO. P-05-2083, 06 SEPTEMBER 2011, ABAD, J.) SUBJECTS: GROSS DISHONESTY; GROSS NEGLECT OF DUTY (BRIEF TITLE: OCA VS. REMOROZA)

 

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DISPOSITIVE:

 

        WHEREFORE, the Court finds respondent Clerk of Court Elsie C. Remoroza GUILTY of gross dishonesty and gross neglect of duty for failure to explain and restitute her shortages in the different funds of the court and DISMISSES her from the service with forfeiture of all leave credits and of retirement privileges and with prejudice to reemployment in any branch or instrumentality of the government, including the government-owned or controlled corporation.  The Court further FORFEITS all of Remoroza’s accrued leave credits, if any, which shall be applied as part of the restitution of her shortages in the Judiciary Development Fund, General Fund, Special Allowance for the Judiciary Fund, and Fiduciary Fund in respective amounts of P10,583.60, P18,952.00, P25,281.40 and P168,000.00.  Lastly, in the event that her accrued leave credits will not be enough to cover the shortages, the Court DIRECTS the Office of the Court Administrator to file the appropriate case for the recovery of such unremitted amounts.

 

        SO ORDERED.

 

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EN BANC

 

 

OFFICE OF THE COURT                      A.M. No. P-05-2083

ADMINISTRATOR,   

                             Complainant,                   Present:                                                      

                                                                     CORONA, C.J., 

                                                                     CARPIO,

                                                            VELASCO, JR.,*

                                                            LEONARDO-DE CASTRO,

                                                            BRION,

– versus –                                              PERALTA,

  BERSAMIN,

  DEL CASTILLO,

  ABAD,

  VILLARAMA, JR.,

  PEREZ,*

  MENDOZA,

  SERENO, and

  REYES,** JJ.

ELSIE C. REMOROZA, Clerk of

Court, Municipal Trial Court,

Mauban, Quezon,

                             Respondent.

 

x——————————————- x

 

OFFICE OF THE COURT                      A.M. No. P-06-2263

ADMINISTRATOR,   

                             Complainant,

 

– versus –                                            Promulgated:

 

JOSEFINA NERI N. ALPAJORA,

                             Respondent.                                September 6, 2011                   

 

x —————————————————————————————- x

DECISION

 

ABAD, J.:

 

          On February 28, 2005 an Audit Team of the Court conducted a financial audit of the accountabilities of the following officials of the Municipal Trial Court of Mauban, Quezon:

 

Name of

Accountable Officer

Official Designation

Accountability Period

 

Elsie C. Remoroza Clerk of Court II Sept. 23, 2004 to Feb. 2005
Anaceto T. Obeña Officer-in-charge Jan. 2003 to Sept. 22, 2004
Josefina Neri-Al[p]ajora Officer-in-charge Sept. 2001 to Dec. 2002

 

          The audit showed a shortage of P160,221.00 in respondent Elsie C. Remoroza’s collections.  The subsidiary ledgers of the Court’s Accounting Division also showed that Remoroza and respondents Anaceto T. Obeña and Josefina Neri-Alpajora failed to submit their monthly reports for collections, deposits, and withdrawals involving the Judiciary Development Fund (JDF), General Fund (GF), Special Allowance for the Judiciary Fund (SAJF) and the Fiduciary Fund (FF).

 

          On October 5, 2005 the Court adopted the findings of the audit team[1][1] and resolved to:

 

(a)        DOCKET the report of the Financial Audit Team as a regular administrative complaint against Clerk of Court Elsie C. Remoroza.

 

(b)        DIRECT Ms. Elsie C. Remoroza to: [1] EXPLAIN within ten (10) days from notice, her: [a] failure to remit her collections for the different judiciary funds on time; [2] non-submission of Monthly reports of Collections, Deposits and Withdrawals for the Judiciary Development Fund, Special Allowance for the Judiciary, and Fiduciary Fund from September 2004 to January 2005; and [3] failure to update postings of transactions in the cashbooks for the different funds; [2] RESTITUTE her shortages in the Judiciary Development Fund, General Fund, Special Allowance for the Judiciary Fund, and Fiduciary Fund in the amounts of P10,583.60, P18,952.00, P25,281.40 and P168,000.00, respectively, by depositing the same to their respective Fund Accounts; and [3] SUBMIT the machine-validated deposit slips to the Fiscal Monitoring Division, Court Management Office, as proof of compliance.

 

(c)        DIRECT former Officer-in-Charge Josefina Neri-Al[p]ajora to: [1] EXPLAIN, within ten (10) days from notice, the: [a] shortage in the Judiciary Development Fund and General Fund in the amounts of P10,120.00 and P4,684.00, respectively; and [b] non-submission of Monthly reports of Collections, Deposits and Withdrawals for the following funds:

 

FUND PERIOD
JDF April 2002 to December 2002
GF April 2002 to December 2002
FF March 2002 to December 2002

 

[2]        RESTITUTE the aforesaid shortages in the different Funds by depositing the same to their respective Fund Accounts; and [3] SUBMIT the machine-validated deposit slips to the Fiscal Monitoring Division, Court Management Office, as proof of compliance; 

 

(d)        DIRECT former Officer-in-Charge Anaceto T. Obeña to:  [1] EXPLAIN within ten (10) days, the non-submission of Monthly Reports of Collections, Deposits and Withdrawals for the following Funds:

 

FUND PERIOD
GF January 2003 to November 2003
SAJF Start of Collection to December 2003
FF January 2003 to August 2004

 

[2]        RESTITUTE his shortages in the Judiciary Development Fund and Fiduciary Fund in the amounts of P350.00 and P40,000.00, respectively, by depositing the same to their respective Fund Accounts; and [3] SUBMIT the machine-validated deposit slips to the Fiscal Monitoring Division, Court Management Office, as proof of compliance; 

 

            (e)        DIRECT Acting Presiding Judge Felix A. Caraos to STUDY and IMPLEMENT procedures that shall strengthen the internal control over cash transactions of the Court; and

 

(f)         SUSPEND Clerk of Court Elsie C. Remoroza form office, pending resolution of this administrative matter.

 

          Respondent Alpajora submitted her explanation[2][2] on March 8, 2006.  She said that she already accounted for and remitted all her collections to respondent Remoroza when the latter resumed her post as clerk of court.  Alpajora also submitted with her explanation the monthly reports relating to funds mentioned.  Further, she attached to her explanation Remoroza’s certification that she was not involved in any anomaly regarding the handling of court funds. 

 

          Respondent Obeña, on the other hand, maintained[3][3] that his appointment as acting clerk of court was a mere “paper” designation since Remoroza continued with the work of preparing the monthly reports of collections, deposits, and withdrawals during her suspension from work.  Obeña further said that he had already complied with the order for him to restitute his cash shortages and submit the machine-validated deposit slips for the JDF as well as the required monthly reports.

 

          The Court referred the cases of respondents Alpajora and Obeña to the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) for evaluation, report, and recommendation.  On June 23, 2006 the OCA recommended[4][4] that Alpajora: 1) be fined the amount of P5,000.00 for her failure to remit her collections on time and for the delay in submitting the monthly reports for collections, deposits, and withdrawals; and 2) be ordered to restitute the shortages of P10,120.00 and P4,684.00 for the JDF and GF, respectively. 

 

          On August 20, 2008 the Court adopted in toto the OCA’s above recommendations.  On December 15, 2008 Alpajora told the Court that she had already restored the shortages required of her. 

 

On June 23, 2008 the Court also issued a resolution adopting[5][5] the OCA’s recommendation,[6][6] finding respondent Obeña guilty of simple neglect of duty.  The Court fined him in the amount of P5,000.00 and ordered him to restitute the shortages in his collections. 

 

          What remains is the case of respondent Remoroza.  The issue presented in her case is whether or not she committed a breach of duty a) to account for and deposit without delay her collections of court funds and b) render the corresponding monthly report of collections, deposits and withdrawals.  

 

          The OCA stressed in its report and recommendation[7][7] that in an earlier administrative case,[8][8] the Court had found against respondent Remorozaguilty of simple neglect of duty for failing to remit her collections and belatedly submitting the required monthly reports.  The Court suspended her from work without pay and fined her P10,000.00.  This time, the OCA has found Remoroza guilty of gross dishonesty and grave misconduct and recommends her dismissal from the service.  It also asks that she be directed to restitute her shortages for the different court funds.

 

          The Court fully agrees with the OCA’s finding and recommendations.  Remoroza deserves to be dismissed from the service, with forfeiture of all her leave credits and retirement privileges and with prejudice to reemployment in any branch or instrumentality of the government.  She must restitute her shortages of P10,583.60 for the JDF, P18,952.00 for the GF, P25,281.40 for the SAJF, and P168,000.00 for the FF.

 

Notably, respondent Remoroza repeated exactly the same offenses for which she was previously found guilty and penalized.[9][9]  She is apparently incorrigible.  And what makes the matter worse is that she had returned to work barely five months and yet she already incurred huge shortages of P222,817.00 affecting four separate court funds placed in her safekeeping.  It now appears fortunate that a Court’s Audit Team happened to conduct a spot audit sooner. 

 

It does not also pass the Court’s attention that respondent Remoroza twice requested for additional time to submit her written explanation to the audit results yet did not.  She also snubbed the Court’s show cause order.  Her defiance demonstrates extreme insolence and arrogance, making her unfit for government service. 

 

The Court cannot countenance any dishonesty and malversation committed by those responsible for safekeeping and handling of its funds.  Any lenience towards their infractions will ultimately diminish the faith and trust of the people in the judiciary. 

 

          WHEREFORE, the Court finds respondent Clerk of Court Elsie C. Remoroza GUILTY of gross dishonesty and gross neglect of duty for failure to explain and restitute her shortages in the different funds of the court and DISMISSES her from the service with forfeiture of all leave credits and of retirement privileges and with prejudice to reemployment in any branch or instrumentality of the government, including the government-owned or controlled corporation.  The Court further FORFEITS all of Remoroza’s accrued leave credits, if any, which shall be applied as part of the restitution of her shortages in the Judiciary Development Fund, General Fund, Special Allowance for the Judiciary Fund, and Fiduciary Fund in respective amounts of P10,583.60, P18,952.00, P25,281.40 and P168,000.00.  Lastly, in the event that her accrued leave credits will not be enough to cover the shortages, the Court DIRECTS the Office of the Court Administrator to file the appropriate case for the recovery of such unremitted amounts.

 

          SO ORDERED.

 

ROBERTO A. ABAD

                                                              Associate Justice

 

 

 

WE CONCUR:

 

 

 

RENATO C. CORONA

Chief Justice

 

 

 

                                                                                (No Part)

       ANTONIO T. CARPIO              PRESBITERO J. VELASCO, JR.    

   Associate Justice                                    Associate Justice

 

 

 

TERESITA J. LEONARDO-DE CASTRO       ARTURO D. BRION

                     Associate Justice                                 Associate Justice

 

 

 

                                                                                   

       DIOSDADO M. PERALTA                     LUCAS P. BERSAMIN

                 Associate Justice                                      Associate Justice        

 

 

 

 

 MARIANO C. DEL CASTILLO             MARTIN S. VILLARAMA, JR.

              Associate Justice                                     Associate Justice

 

 

 

                   (No Part)                                                                     

   JOSE PORTUGAL PEREZ                            JOSE CATRAL MENDOZA

             Associate Justice                                                 Associate Justice

 

 

 

          (On Leave)                                        (On Official Leave)

MARIA LOURDES P. A. SERENO                     BIENVENIDO L. REYES

              Associate Justice                                     Associate Justice

 

 

 

 


 


*  No part.

** On official leave.

[1][1]  Rollo (A.M. P-05-2083), pp. 33-35.

[2][2] Id. at 40-43.

[3][3] Id. at 76-77.

[4][4] Id. at 54-55.

[5][5] Id. at 98.

[6][6] Id. at 93-97.

[7][7]  Report and Recommendation signed by then Court Administrator and now incumbent Associate Justice Jose P. Perez.

[8][8]  A.M. 01-4-133-MTC.

[9][9] Id.

CASE 2011-0187: RCJ BUS LINES, INCORPORATED VS. STANDARD INSURANCE COMPANY, INC. (G.R. NO. 193629, 17 AUGUST 2011, CARPIO, J.) SUBJECTS: LIABILITY OF A PUBLIC CARRIER; SUBROGATION; DAMAGES ARISING FROM NEGLIGENCE; LIABILITY OF EMPLOYER. (BRIEF TITLE: RCJ BUS LINES VS. STANDARD INSURANCE.

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DISPOSITIVE:

WHEREFORE, we DENY the petition. We AFFIRM the Decision of the Court of Appeals in CA-G.R. SP No. 105338 promulgated on 11 March 2010 as well as the Resolution promulgated on 3 September 2010.

SO ORDERED.

 

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AN RCJ BUS LINES BUS DRIVEN BY MANGOBA WAS SPEEDING AT 60 TO 75 KMS PER HOUR  BEYOND SPEED LIMIT OF 50 KMS. IT BUMPED AND DAMAGED A LANCER CAR. IS MANGOBA LIABLE?

 

YES. THE PRESUMPTION UNDER ART. 2185 OF THE CIVIL CODE IS THAT MANGOBA IS NEGLIGENT SINCE HE VIOLATED A TRAFFIC REGULATION AT THE TIME OF THE MISHAP.

Mangoba, per testimony of his conductor, was ten meters away from the Mitsubishi Lancer before the collision and was driving 60 to 75 kilometers per hour when the speed limit was 50 kilometers per hour.22 The presumption under Article 218523 of the Civil Code was thus proven true: Mangoba, as driver of the bus which collided with the Mitsubishi Lancer, was negligent since he violated a traffic regulation at the time of the mishap. We see no reason to depart from the findings of the MeTC, RTC and appellate court that Mangoba was negligent. The appellate court stated:

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RCJ BUS LINES ARGUES THAT THE COMPLAINT DOES NOT STATE A CAUSE OF ACTION AGAINST THE COMPANY. WAS THERE CAUSE OF ACTION.

 

YES. THE COMPLAINT STATES THAT RCJ IS THE REGISTERED OWNER OF THE PASSENGER BUS WITH PLATE NUMBER NYG 363 WHICH FIGURED IN THE MISHAP. THIS IS  SUFFICIENT TO STATE A CAUSE OF ACTION AGAINST RCJ. THE REGISTERED OWNER OF A VEHICLE SHOULD BE PRIMARILY RESPONSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC FOR INJURIES CAUSED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE.16 THE MAIN AIM OF MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION IS TO IDENTIFY THE OWNER SO THAT IF ANY ACCIDENT HAPPENS, OR THAT ANY DAMAGE OR INJURY IS CAUSED BY THE VEHICLE ON THE PUBLIC HIGHWAYS, RESPONSIBILITY THEREFOR CAN BE FIXED ON A DEFINITE INDIVIDUAL, THE REGISTERED OWNER.17

Standard’s allegation in its amended complaint that RCJ is the registered owner of the passenger bus with plate number NYG 363 was sufficient to state a cause of action against RCJ. The registered owner of a vehicle should be primarily responsible to the public for injuries caused while the vehicle is in use.16 The main aim of motor vehicle registration is to identify the owner so that if any accident happens, or that any damage or injury is caused by the vehicle on the public highways, responsibility therefor can be fixed on a definite individual, the registered owner.17

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IS EMPLOYER RCJ BUS LINES LIABLE FOR MANGOBA’S NEGLIGENCE? WHAT IS THE BASIS OF RCJ’S LIABILITY?

 

YES. ARTICLE 218019 OF THE CIVIL CODE, IN RELATION TO ARTICLE 2176,20 MAKES THE EMPLOYER VICARIOUSLY LIABLE FOR THE ACTS OF ITS EMPLOYEES. WHEN THE EMPLOYEE CAUSES DAMAGE DUE TO HIS OWN NEGLIGENCE WHILE PERFORMING HIS OWN DUTIES, THERE ARISES THE JURIS TANTUM PRESUMPTION THAT THE EMPLOYER IS NEGLIGENT, REBUTTABLE ONLY BY PROOF OF OBSERVANCE OF THE DILIGENCE OF A GOOD FATHER OF A FAMILY. FOR FAILURE TO REBUT SUCH LEGAL PRESUMPTION OF NEGLIGENCE IN THE SELECTION AND SUPERVISION OF EMPLOYEES, THE EMPLOYER IS LIKEWISE RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGES, THE BASIS OF THE LIABILITY BEING THE RELATIONSHIP OF PATER FAMILIAS OR ON THE EMPLOYER’S OWN NEGLIGENCE.21

 

RCJ, by presenting witnesses to testify on its exercise of diligence of a good father of a family in the selection and supervision of its bus drivers, admitted that Mangoba is its employee. Article 218019 of the Civil Code, in relation to Article 2176,20 makes the employer vicariously liable for the acts of its employees. When the employee causes damage due to his own negligence while performing his own duties, there arises the juris tantum presumption that the employer is negligent, rebuttable only by proof of observance of the diligence of a good father of a family. For failure to rebut such legal presumption of negligence in the selection and supervision of employees, the employer is likewise responsible for damages, the basis of the liability being the relationship of pater familias or on the employer’s own negligence.21

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STANDARD INSURANCE PAID OWNER OF LANCER CAR P162,151.22 FOR THE REPAIRS OF THE CAR. CAN STANDARD INSURANCE RECOVER FROM RCJ BUS LINES?

 

YES, BY SUBROGATION PURSUANT TO ART. 2207 OF THE CIVIL CODE.

 

ARTICLE 2207 OF THE CIVIL CODE READS:

 

ART. 2207. IF THE PLAINTIFF’S PROPERTY HAS BEEN INSURED AND HE HAS RECEIVED INDEMNITY FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY FOR THE INJURY OR LOSS ARISING OUT OF THE WRONG OR BREACH OF CONTRACT COMPLAINED OF, THE INSURANCE COMPANY SHALL BE SUBROGATED TO THE RIGHTS OF THE INSURED AGAINST THE WRONGDOER OR THE PERSON WHO HAS VIOLATED THE CONTRACT. IF THE AMOUNT PAID BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY DOES NOT FULLY COVER THE INJURY OR LOSS, THE AGGRIEVED PARTY SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECOVER THE DEFICIENCY FROM THE PERSON CAUSING THE LOSS OR INJURY.

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WHAT IS SUBROGATION?

 

SUBROGATION IS THE SUBSTITUTION OF ONE PERSON BY ANOTHER WITH REFERENCE TO A LAWFUL CLAIM OR RIGHT, SO THAT HE WHO SUBSTITUTES ANOTHER SUCCEEDS TO THE RIGHTS OF THE OTHER IN RELATION TO A DEBT OR CLAIM, INCLUDING ITS REMEDIES OR SECURITIES. THE PRINCIPLE COVERS A SITUATION WHEREIN AN INSURER WHO HAS PAID A LOSS UNDER AN INSURANCE POLICY IS ENTITLED TO ALL THE RIGHTS AND REMEDIES BELONGING TO THE INSURED AGAINST A THIRD PARTY WITH RESPECT TO ANY LOSS COVERED BY THE POLICY.26

 

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SECOND DIVISION

RCJ BUS LINES, INCORPORATED,   G.R. No. 193629
Petitioner,    
    Present:

 

   CARPIO, J., Chairperson,
 – versus –    LEONARDO-DE CASTRO,*BRION,PERALTA,** and

SERENO, JJ.

STANDARD INSURANCE COMPANY, INCORPORATED,Respondent.   Promulgated:August 17, 2011

x – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – x

 

D E C I S I O N

 

CARPIO, J.:

The Case

G.R. No. 193629 is a petition for review1 assailing the Decision2 promulgated on 11 March 2010 as well as the Resolution3 promulgated on 3 September 2010 by the Court of Appeals (appellate court) in CA-G.R. SP No. 105338. The appellate court affirmed with modification the 27 May 2008 Decision4 of Branch 37 of the Regional Trial Court of Manila (RTC) in Civil Case No. 00-99410. The RTC dismissed RCJ Bus Lines’ appeal from the 12 July 2000 Decision5 of the Metropolitan Trial Court of Manila (MeTC) in Civil Case No. 153566. The MeTC rendered judgment in favor of Standard Insurance Company, Incorporated (Standard) and ordered Flor Bola Mangoba (Mangoba) and RCJ Bus Lines, Incorporated (RCJ) to pay damages.

The Facts

The appellate court narrated the facts as follows:

On 01 December 2000, respondent Standard Insurance Co., Inc. (STANDARD) filed an amended complaint against the petitioners Flor Bola Mangoba and RCJ Bus Lines, Inc. (docketed as Civil Case No. 153566-CV before the Metropolitan Trial Court of Manila, Branch 29). Said amended complaint alleged, among others:

“2. On June 19, 1994 along theNational Highwayat Brgy. Amlang, Rosario, La Union, defendant Flor B. Mangoba while driving [sic] an RCJ HINO BLUE RIBBON PASSENGER BUS bearing Plate No. NYG-363 in a reckless and imprudent manner, bumped and hit a 1991 Mitsubishi Lancer GLX bearing Plate No. TAJ-796, a photocopy of the police report is attached hereto and made an integral part hereof as Annex ‘A.’

3. The subject Mitsubishi Lancer which is owned by Rodelene Valentino was insured for loss and damage with plaintiff [Standard Insurance Co. Inc.] for P450,000.00, a photocopy of the insurance policy is attached hereto and made an integral part hereof as Annex ‘B.’

4. Defendant RCJ Bus Lines, Inc. is the registered owner of the Passenger Bus bearing Plate No. NYG-363 while defendant Flor Mangoba was the driver of the subject Passenger Bus when the accident took place.

5. As a direct and proximate cause of the vehicular accident, the Mitsubishi Lancer was extensively damaged, the costs of repairs of which were borne by the plaintiff [Standard Insurance Co. Inc.] at a cost of P162,151.22.

6. By virtue of the insurance contract, plaintiff [Standard Insurance Co. Inc.] paid Rodelene Valentino the amount of P162,151.22 for the repair of the Mitsubishi Lancer car.

7. After plaintiff [Standard Insurance Co. Inc.] has complied with its obligation under the policy mentioned above, plaintiff’s assured executed in plaintiff’s favor a Release of Claim thereby subrogating the latter to all his rights of recovery on all claims, demands and rights of action on account of loss, damage or injury as a consequence of the accident from any person liable therefor.

8. Despite demands, defendants have failed and refused and still continue to fail and refuse to reimburse plaintiff the sum of P162,151.22. A photocopy of the demand letter is attached hereto and made an integral part hereof as Annex ‘C.’

9. As a consequence, plaintiff [Standard Insurance Co. Inc.] has been compelled to resort to court action and thereby hire the services of counsel as well as incur expenses of litigation for all of which it should be indemnified by the defendant in the amount of at least P30,000.00.

10. In order that it may serve as a deterrent for others and by way of example for the public good, defendants should be adjudged to pay plaintiff [Standard Insurance Co. Inc.] exemplary damages in the amount of P20,000.00.”

Thus, STANDARD prayed:

“WHEREFORE, plaintiff respectfully prays that after due trial on the issues, this court render judgment against the defendants adjudging them jointly and severally liable to pay plaintiff the following amounts:

1. The principal claim of P162,151.22 with interest at 12% per annum from September 1, 1995 until fully paid.

2. P30,000.00 as and by way of indemnification for attorney’s fees.

3. P25,000.00 as exemplary damages.

Plaintiff prays for such further or other reliefs as may be deemed just and equitable under the premises.”

In its answer, RCJ Bus Lines, Inc. maintained:

“1. That the complaint states no cause of action against it;

2. That venue was improperly laid; and,

3. That the direct, immediate and proximate cause of the accident was the negligence of the driver of the Mitsubishi Lancer when, for no reason at all, it made a sudden stop along the National Highway, as if to initiate and/or create an accident.”

Flor Bola Mangoba, in his own answer to the complaint, also pointed his finger at the driver of the Mitsubishi Lancer as the one who caused the vehicular accident on the time, date and place in question.

For his failure to appear at the pre-trial despite notice, Flor Bola Mangoba was declared in default on 14 November 1997. Accordingly, trial proceeded sans his participation.

At the trial, the evidence adduced by the parties established the following facts:

In the evening of 19 June 1994, at around 7:00 o’clock, a Toyota Corolla with Plate No. PHU-185 driven by Rodel Chua, cruised along theNational Highwayat Barangay Amlang, Rosario, La Union, heading towards the general direction of Bauan, La Union. The Toyota Corolla travelled at a speed of 50 kilometers per hour as it traversed the downward slope of the road, which curved towards the right.

The Mitsubishi Lancer GLX with Plate No. TAJ-796, driven by Teodoro Goki, and owned by Rodelene Valentino, was then following the Toyota Corolla along the said highway. Behind the Mitsubishi Lancer GLX was the passenger bus with Plate No. NYG-363, driven by Flor Bola Mangoba and owned by RCJ Bus Lines, Inc. The bus followed the Mitsubishi Lancer GLX at a distance of ten (10) meters and traveled at the speed of 60 to 75 kilometers per hour.

Upon seeing a pile of gravel and sand on the road, the Toyota Corolla stopped on its tracks. The Mitsubishi Lancer followed suit and also halted. At this point, the bus hit and bumped the rear portion of the Mitsubishi Lancer causing it to move forward and hit the Toyota Corolla in front of it.

As a result of the incident, the Mitsubishi Lancer sustained damages amounting to P162,151.22, representing the costs of its repairs. Under the comprehensive insurance policy secured by Rodelene Valentino, owner of the Mitsubishi Lancer, STANDARD reimbursed to the former the amount she expended for the repairs of her vehicle. Rodelene then executed a Release of Claim and Subrogation Receipt, subrogating STANDARD to all rights, claims and actions she may have against RCJ Bus Lines, Inc. and its driver, Flor Bola Mangoba.6

The MeTC’s Ruling

On 12 July 2000, the MeTC rendered its decision in favor of Standard, the dispositive portion of which reads:

WHEREFORE, consistent with Section 1, Rule 131 and Section 1, Rule 133 of the Revised Rules on Evidence, judgment is hereby rendered in favor of the plaintiff, ordering defendants Flor Bola Mangoba and RCJ Bus Lines, Inc.:

1. To pay the principal sum of ONE HUNDRED SIXTY TWO THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED FIFTY ONE PESOS and 22/100 (P162,151.22), with legal rate of interest at 12% per annum from September 1, 1995 until full payment;

2. To pay the sum of TWENTY THOUSAND PESOS (P20,000.00) as exemplary damages;

3. To pay the sum of TWENTY THOUSAND PESOS (P20,000.00) as reasonable attorney’s fees; and

4. To pay the costs of suit.

For want of merit, the separate Counterclaim is hereby DISMISSED.7

In an Order8 dated 2 May 2002, the RTC dismissed Mangoba and RCJ’s appeal for filing their pleading beyond the reglementary period. The appellate court, however, in a Decision9 in CA-G.R. SP No. 77598 dated 23 April 2004, granted RCJ’s petition and remanded the case to the RTC for further proceedings.

The RTC’s Ruling

In its Decision dated 27 May 2008, the RTC affirmed with modification the MeTC’s Decision dated 12 July 2000. The RTC deleted the award for exemplary damages.

RCJ failed to convince the RTC that it observed the diligence of a good father of a family to prevent damages sustained by the Mitsubishi Lancer. The RTC ruled that the testimony of Conrado Magno, RCJ’s Operations Manager, who declared that all applicants for employment in RCJ were required to submit clearances from the barangay, the courts and the National Bureau of Investigation, is insufficient to show that RCJ exercised due diligence in the selection and supervision of its drivers. The allegation of the conduct of seminars and training for RCJ’s drivers is not proof that RCJ examined Mangoba’s qualifications, experience and driving history. Moreover, the testimony of Noel Oalog, the bus conductor, confirmed that the bus was travelling at a speed of 60 to 75 kilometers per hour, which was beyond the maximum allowable speed of 50 kilometers per hour for a bus on an open country road. The RTC, however, deleted the award of exemplary damages because it found no evidence that Mangoba acted with gross negligence.

In an Order10 dated 27 August 2008, the RTC partially reconsidered its 27 May 2008 Decision and modified the MeTC’s Decision to read as follows:

WHEREFORE, the Decision dated May 27, 2008 is partially reconsidered and the Decision of the court a quo dated July 12, 2000 is MODIFIED. Appellant RCJ Bus Lines, Inc. and defendant Flor Bola Mangoba are ordered to pay jointly and severally the appellee [Standard Insurance Co., Inc.] the following:

1. ONE HUNDRED SIXTY TWO THOUSAND ONE FIFTY ONE PESOS and 22/100 (P162,151.22), with legal rate of interest at 6% per annum from September 1, 1995 until full payment;

2. TWENTY THOUSAND PESOS (P20,000.00) as reasonable attorney’s fees; and

3. Cost of suit.

SO ORDERED.11

The Appellate Court’s Ruling

Mangoba and RCJ filed a petition for review before the appellate court. The appellate court found that the RTC committed no reversible error in affirming RCJ’s liability as registered owner of the bus and employer of Mangoba, as well as Mangoba’s negligence in driving the passenger bus. The appellate court, however, deleted the award for attorney’s fees and modified the legal interest imposed by the MeTC.

The dispositive portion of the appellate court’s decision reads:

WHEREFORE, the instant petition for review is DENIED. The assailed Decision of the Regional Trial Court of Manila, Branch 37, in Civil Case No. 00-99410 is hereby AFFIRMED with MODIFICATION that the legal interest that should be imposed on the actual damages awarded in favor of respondent Standard Insurance, Co., Inc. should be at the rate of 6% per annum computed from the time of extra judicial demand until the finality of the 12 July 2000 Decision of the MeTC and thereafter, the legal interest shall be at the rate of 12% per annum until the full payment of the actual damages. The award of attorney’s fees is DELETED.

SO ORDERED.12

The appellate court denied RCJ’s Motion for Reconsideration13 for lack of merit.14

The Issues

RCJ assigns the following as errors of the appellate court:

1. The Court of Appeals erroneously awarded the amount of P162,151.22 representing actual damages based merely on the proof of payment of policy/insurance claim and not on an official receipt of payment of actual cost of repair;

2. The Court of Appeals erroneously disregarded the point that petitioner RCJ’s defense of extraordinary diligence in the selection and supervision of its driver was made as an alternative defense;

3. The Court of Appeals erroneously disregarded the legal principle that the supposed violation of Sec. 35 of R.A. 4136 merely results in a disputable presumption; and

4. The Court of Appeals erroneously held that petitioner RCJ is vicariously liable for the claim of supposed actual damages incurred by respondent Standard Insurance.15

The Court’s Ruling

The petition has no merit. We see no reason to overturn the findings of the lower courts. We affirm the ruling of the appellate court.

RCJ’s Liability

RCJ argues that its defense of extraordinary diligence in the selection and supervision of its employees is a mere alternative defense. RCJ’s initial claim was that Standard’s complaint failed to state a cause of action against RCJ.

Standard may hold RCJ liable for two reasons, both of which rely upon facts uncontroverted by RCJ. One, RCJ is the registered owner of the bus driven by Mangoba. Two, RCJ is Mangoba’s employer.

Standard’s allegation in its amended complaint that RCJ is the registered owner of the passenger bus with plate number NYG 363 was sufficient to state a cause of action against RCJ. The registered owner of a vehicle should be primarily responsible to the public for injuries caused while the vehicle is in use.16 The main aim of motor vehicle registration is to identify the owner so that if any accident happens, or that any damage or injury is caused by the vehicle on the public highways, responsibility therefor can be fixed on a definite individual, the registered owner.17

Moreover, in its efforts to extricate itself from liability, RCJ proffered the defense of the exercise of the diligence of a good father of a family. The MeTC characterized RCJ’s defense against negligence in this manner:

To repel the idea of negligence, defendant [RCJ] bus company’s operations manager at the Laoag City Terminal was presented on the witness stand on January 5, 2000 in regard to the company’s seminars and dialogues with respect to its employees, and the absence of any record of a vehicular accident involving the co-defendant driver [Mangoba] (TSN, January 5, 2000, pp. 2-17; TSN, February 16, 2000, pp. 2-9). As the last witness of defendant [RCJ] bus company, Noel Oalog, bus conductor who was allegedly seated to the right side of the bus driver during the incident, was presented on March 22, 2000 (TSN, March 22, 2000, page 2). He confirmed on direct examination and cross examination that it was defendant’s bus, then running at 60-75 [kph] and at a distance of 10 meters, which bumped a Mitsubishi Lancer without a tail light. According to him, the incident occurred when the driver of the Toyota Corolla, which was ahead of the Lancer, stepped on the brakes due to the pile of gravel and sand in sight (TSN, Vide at pp. 3-11). Subsequent to the proffer of exhibits (TSN, Vide, at page 14), and in default of any rebuttal, the parties were directed to file the Memoranda within thirty days from March 23, 2000.18

RCJ, by presenting witnesses to testify on its exercise of diligence of a good father of a family in the selection and supervision of its bus drivers, admitted that Mangoba is its employee. Article 218019 of the Civil Code, in relation to Article 2176,20 makes the employer vicariously liable for the acts of its employees. When the employee causes damage due to his own negligence while performing his own duties, there arises the juris tantum presumption that the employer is negligent, rebuttable only by proof of observance of the diligence of a good father of a family. For failure to rebut such legal presumption of negligence in the selection and supervision of employees, the employer is likewise responsible for damages, the basis of the liability being the relationship of pater familias or on the employer’s own negligence.21

Mangoba, per testimony of his conductor, was ten meters away from the Mitsubishi Lancer before the collision and was driving 60 to 75 kilometers per hour when the speed limit was 50 kilometers per hour.22 The presumption under Article 218523 of the Civil Code was thus proven true: Mangoba, as driver of the bus which collided with the Mitsubishi Lancer, was negligent since he violated a traffic regulation at the time of the mishap. We see no reason to depart from the findings of the MeTC, RTC and appellate court that Mangoba was negligent. The appellate court stated:

To be sure, had not the passenger bus been speeding while traversing the downward sloping road, it would not have hit and bumped the Mitsubishi Lancer in front of it, causing the latter vehicle to move forward and hit and bump, in turn, the Toyota Corolla. Had the bus been moving at a reasonable speed, it could have avoided hitting and bumping the Mitsubishi Lancer upon spotting the same, taking into account that the distance between the two vehicles was ten (10) meters. As fittingly opined by the MeTC, the driver of the passenger bus, being the rear vehicle, had full control of the situation as he was in a position to observe the vehicle in front of him. Had he observed the diligence required under the circumstances, the accident would not have occurred.24

Subrogation

In the present case, it cannot be denied that the Mitsubishi Lancer sustained damages. Moreover, it cannot also be denied that Standard paid Rodelene Valentino P162,151.22 for the repair of the Mitsubishi Lancer pursuant to a Release of Claim and Subrogation Receipt. Neither RCJ nor Mangoba cross-examined Standard’s claims evaluator when he testified on his duties, the insurance contract between Rodelene Valentino and Standard, Standard’s payment of insurance proceeds, and RCJ and Mangoba’s refusal to pay despite demands. After being lackadaisical during trial, RCJ cannot escape liability now. Standard’s right of subrogation accrues simply upon its payment of the insurance claim.25

Article 2207 of the Civil Code reads:

Art. 2207. If the plaintiff’s property has been insured and he has received indemnity from the insurance company for the injury or loss arising out of the wrong or breach of contract complained of, the insurance company shall be subrogated to the rights of the insured against the wrongdoer or the person who has violated the contract. If the amount paid by the insurance company does not fully cover the injury or loss, the aggrieved party shall be entitled to recover the deficiency from the person causing the loss or injury.

Subrogation is the substitution of one person by another with reference to a lawful claim or right, so that he who substitutes another succeeds to the rights of the other in relation to a debt or claim, including its remedies or securities. The principle covers a situation wherein an insurer who has paid a loss under an insurance policy is entitled to all the rights and remedies belonging to the insured against a third party with respect to any loss covered by the policy.26

WHEREFORE, we DENY the petition. We AFFIRM the Decision of the Court of Appeals in CA-G.R. SP No. 105338 promulgated on 11 March 2010 as well as the Resolution promulgated on 3 September 2010.

SO ORDERED.

ANTONIO T. CARPIO

Associate Justice

WE CONCUR:

 

 

 

 

TERESITA J. LEONARDO-DE CASTRO

Associate Justice

 

 

 

ARTURO D. BRION DIOSDADO M. PERALTA

Associate Justice Associate Justice

MARIA LOURDES P. A. SERENO

Associate Justice

ATTESTATION

I attest that the conclusions in the above Decision had been reached in consultation before the case was assigned to the writer of the opinion of the Court’s Division.

ANTONIO T. CARPIO

Associate Justice

Chairperson

 

CERTIFICATION

Pursuant to Section 13, Article VIII of the Constitution, and the Division Chairperson’s Attestation, I certify that the conclusions in the above Decision had been reached in consultation before the case was assigned to the writer of the opinion of the Court’s Division.

RENATO C. CORONA

Chief Justice

* Designated Acting Member per Special Order No. 1006 dated 10 June 2011.

** Designated Acting Member per Special Order No. 1062 dated 16 August 2011.

1 Under Rule 45 of the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure.

2 Rollo, pp. 41-62. Penned by Associate Justice Mariflor P. Punzalan Castillo, with Associate Justices Juan Q. Enriquez and Elihu A. Ybañez, concurring.

3 Id. at 77-79. Penned by Associate Justice Mariflor P. Punzalan Castillo, with Associate Justices Juan Q. Enriquez and Elihu A. Ybañez, concurring.

4 Id. at 120-128. Penned by Judge Virgilio V. Macaraig.

5 Id. at 102-108. Penned by Judge Eduardo B. Peralta, Jr.

6 Id. at 43-46.

7 Id. at 108.

8 Id. at 109.

9 Id. at 110-119. Penned by Associate Justice Bienvenido L. Reyes, with Associate Justices Ruben T. Reyes (retired Supreme Court Justice) and Jose C. Mendoza (now Supreme Court Justice) concurring.

10 Id. at 129-131. Penned by Judge Virgilio V. Macaraig.

11 Id. at 131.

12 Id. at 61-62.

13 Id. at 63-75.

14 Id. at 77-79.

15 Id. at 17-18.

16See FEB Leasing and Finance Corporation (now BPI Leasing Corporation) v. Spouses Baylon, G.R. No. 181398, 29 June 2011; Guillang v. Bedania, G.R. No. 162987, 21 May 2009, 588 SCRA 73; Villanueva v. Domingo, 481 Phil. 837 (2004); MYC-Agro-Industrial Corp. v. Camerino, 217 Phil. 11 (1984); Erezo v. Jepte, 102 Phil. 103 (1957).

17 Erezo v. Jepte, supra at 108.

18 Rollo, p. 103.

19 The pertinent portions of Article 2180 read: “The obligation imposed by Article 2176 is demandable not only for one’s own acts or omissions, but also for those of persons for whom one is responsible. x x x Employers shall be liable for the damages caused by their employees and household helpers acting within the scope of their assigned tasks, even though the former are not engaged in any business or industry. x x x The responsibility treated of in this article shall cease when the persons herein mentioned prove that they observed all the diligence of a good father of a family to prevent damage.”

20 Article 2176 states: “Whoever by act or omission causes damage to another, there being fault or negligence, is obliged to pay for the damage done. Such fault or negligence, if there is no pre- existing contractual relation between the parties, is called a quasi-delict and is governed by the provisions of this Chapter.”

21 Metro Manila Transit Corp. v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 104408, 21 June 1993, 223 SCRA 521, 539. Citations omitted.

22 Section 35, Article I, Chapter IV, Republic Act No. 4136.

23 Unless there is proof to the contrary, it is presumed that a person driving a motor vehicle has been negligent if at the time of the mishap, he was violating any traffic regulation.

24 Rollo, pp. 57-58.

25 See Delsan Transport Lines, Inc. v. Court of Appeals, 420 Phil. 824 (2001).

26 Keppel Cebu Shipyard, Inc. v. Pioneer Insurance and Surety Corporation, G.R. Nos. 180880-81, 25 September 2009, 601 SCRA 96, 141.

CASE 2011-0179: ADVENT CAPITAL AND FINANCE CORPORATION VS. ROLAND YOUNG (G.R. NO. 183018, 03 AUGUST 2011, CARPIO, J.) SUBJECTS: REPLEVIN; CLAIM AGAINST REPLEVIN BOND.  (BRIEF TITLE: ADVENT CAPITAL VS. YOUNG).

=====================================

 

ADVENT CAPITAL FILED A REPLEVIN CASE AGAINST YOUNG AND SECURED A WRIT OF SEIZURE ORDERING YOUNG TO SURRENDER A MBENZ IN THE NAME OF ADVENT.  YOUNG SURRENDERED THE CAR TO ADVENT. RTC DISMISSED THE REPLEVIN CASE FOR FAILURE OF  ADVENT TO PROSECUTE. SUCH DISMISSAL ORDER BECAME FINAL. IS  YOUNG ENTITLED TO THE RETURN OF THE CAR?

 

YES. THIS IS THE NECESSARY CONSEQUENCE OF THE DISMISSAL OF THE REPLEVIN CASE. THE WRIT OF SEIZURE IS MERELY ANCILLARY IN NATURE. IT BECAME FUNCTUS OFFICIO AND SHOULD BE LIFTED.

 

We agree with the Court of Appeals in directing the trial court to return the seized car to Young since this is the necessary consequence of the dismissal of the replevin case for failure to prosecute without prejudice. Upon the dismissal of the replevin case for failure to prosecute, the writ of seizure, which is merely ancillary in nature, became functus officio and should have been lifted. There was no adjudication on the merits, which means that there was no determination of the issue who has the better right to possess the subject car. Advent cannot therefore retain possession of the subject car considering that it was not adjudged as the prevailing party entitled to the remedy of replevin.

 

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

 

WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF THE DISMISSAL OF THE REPLEVIN CASE?

 

IT RESULTS TO THE RESTORATION OF THE PARTIES’ STATUS PRIOR TO LITIGATION, AS IF NO COMPLAINT HAS BEEN FILED AT ALL. ACCORDINGLY, THE PARTIES MUST BE REVERTED TO THEIR STATUS QUO ANTE. SINCE YOUNG POSSESSED THE SUBJECT CAR BEFORE THE FILING OF THE REPLEVIN CASE, THE SAME MUST BE RETURNED TO HIM, AS IF NO COMPLAINT WAS FILED AT ALL.

 

Contrary to Advent’s view, Olympia International Inc. v. Court of Appeals16 applies to this case. The dismissal of the replevin case for failure to prosecute results in the restoration of the parties’ status prior to litigation, as if no complaint was filed at all. To let the writ of seizure stand after the dismissal of the complaint would be adjudging Advent as the prevailing party, when precisely no decision on the merits had been rendered. Accordingly, the parties must be reverted to their status quo ante. Since Young possessed the subject car before the filing of the replevin case, the same must be returned to him, as if no complaint was filed at all.

 

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

 

AFTER THE DECISION IN THE REPLEVIN CASE BECAME FINAL, YOUNG FILED AN OMNIBUS MOTION PRAYING FOR DAMAGES UNDER THE REPLEVIN BOND. CAN CLAIM OF YOUNG PROSPER?

 

NO. THE APPLICATION TO BE FILED AT ANY TIME BEFORE THE JUDGMENT BECOMES EXECUTORY.20 IT SHOULD BE FILED IN THE SAME CASE THAT IS THE MAIN ACTION,21 AND WITH THE COURT HAVING JURISDICTION OVER THE CASE AT THE TIME OF THE APPLICATION.22

 

Section 10, Rule 60 of the Rules of Court19 governs claims for damages on account of improper or irregular seizure in replevin cases. It provides that in replevin cases, as in receivership and injunction cases, the damages to be awarded upon the bond “shall be claimed, ascertained, and granted” in accordance with Section 20 of Rule 57 which reads:

 

Sec. 20. Claim for damages on account of improper, irregular or excessive attachment. – An application for damages on account of improper, irregular or excessive attachment must be filed before the trial or before appeal is perfected or before the judgment becomes executory, with due notice to the attaching obligee or his surety or sureties, setting forth the facts showing his right to damages and the amount thereof. Such damages may be awarded only after proper hearing and shall be included in the judgment on the main case. e

 

If the judgment of the appellate court be favorable to the party against whom the attachment was issued, he must claim damages sustained during the pendency of the appeal by filing an application in the appellate court with notice to the party in whose favor the attachment was issued or his surety or sureties, before the judgment of the appellate court becomes executory. The appellate court may allow the application to be heard and decided by the trial court.

 

Nothing herein contained shall prevent the party against whom the attachment was issued from recovering in the same action the damages awarded to him from any property of the attaching obligee not exempt from execution should the bond or deposit given by the latter be insufficient or fail to fully satisfy the award.

 

The above provision essentially allows the application to be filed at any time before the judgment becomes executory.20 It should be filed in the same case that is the main action,21 and with the court having jurisdiction over the case at the time of the application.22

e remed

In this case, there was no application for damages against Stronghold resulting from the issuance of the writ of seizure before the finality of the dismissal of the complaint for failure to prosecute. It appears that Young filed his omnibus motion claiming damages against Stronghold after the dismissal order issued by the trial court on 28 April 2005 had attained finality. While Young filed a motion for partial reconsideration on 10 June 2005, it only concerned the dismissal of his counterclaim, without any claim for damages against the replevin bond. It was only on 8 July 2005 that Young filed an omnibus motion seeking damages against the replevin bond, after the dismissal order had already become final for Advent’s non-appeal of such order. In fact, in his omnibus motion, Young stressed the finality of the dismissal order.23 Thus, Young is barred from claiming damages against the replevin bond.

 

In Jao v. Royal Financing Corporation,24 the Court held that defendant therein was precluded from claiming damages against the surety bond since defendant failed to file the application for damages before the termination of the case, thus:

 

The dismissal of the case filed by the plaintiffs-appellees on July 11, 1959, had become final and executory before the defendant-appellee corporation filed its motion for judgment on the bond on September 7, 1959. In the order of the trial court, dismissing the complaint, there appears no pronouncement whatsoever against the surety bond. The appellee-corporation failed to file its proper application for damages prior to the termination of the case against it. It is barred to do so now. The prevailing party, if such would be the proper term for the appellee-corporation, having failed to file its application for damages against the bond prior to the entry of final judgment, the bondsman-appellant is relieved of further liability thereunder.

 

Since Young is time-barred from claiming damages against the replevin bond, the dismissal order having attained finality after the application for damages, the Court of Appeals erred in ordering the trial court to set a hearing for the determination of damages against the replevin bond.

 

=====================================

SECOND DIVISION

 

 

ADVENT CAPITAL AND                                    G.R. No. 183018

FINANCE CORPORATION,

Petitioner,                                                              Present:

 

CARPIO, J., Chairperson,

LEONARDO-DE CASTRO,*

– versus –                                                               BRION,

PEREZ, and

SERENO, JJ.

 

ROLAND YOUNG,                                              Promulgated:

Respondent.                                                                    August 3, 2011

x—————————————————————————————–x

 

 

D E C I S I O N

 

 

CARPIO, J.:

 

 

The Case

 

 

This petition for review1 assails the 28 December 2007 Decision2 and 15 May 2008 Resolution3 of the Court of Appeals in CA-G.R. SP No. 96266. The Court of Appeals set aside the 24 March 2006 and 5 July 2006 Orders4 of theRegionalTrialCourtofMakatiCity, Branch 147, and directed petitioner Advent Capital and Finance Corporation to return the seized vehicle to respondent Roland Young. The Court of Appeals denied the motion for reconsideration.

The Antecedents

 

 

The present controversy stemmed from a replevin suit instituted by petitioner Advent Capital and Finance Corporation (Advent) against respondent Roland Young (Young) to recover the possession of a 1996 Mercedes Benz E230 with plate number UMN-168, which is registered in Advent’s name.5

 

Prior to the replevin case, or on 16 July 2001, Advent filed for corporate rehabilitation with the RegionalTrialCourtofMakatiCity, Branch 142 (rehabilitation court).6

 

On 27 August 2001, the rehabilitation court issued an Order (stay order) which states that “the enforcement of all claims whether for money or otherwise, and whether such enforcement is by court action or otherwise, against the petitioner (Advent), its guarantors and sureties not solidarily liable with it, is stayed.”7

 

On 5 November 2001, Young filed his Comment to the Petition for Rehabilitation, claiming, among others, several employee benefits allegedly due him as Advent’s former president and chief executive officer.

 

On 6 November 2002, the rehabilitation court approved the rehabilitation plan submitted by Advent. Included in the inventory of Advent’s assets was the subject car which remained in Young’s possession at the time.

 

Young’s obstinate refusal to return the subject car, after repeated demands, prompted Advent to file the replevin case on 8 July 2003. The complaint, docketed as Civil Case No. 03-776, was raffled to theRegionalTrialCourtofMakatiCity, Branch 147 (trial court).

 

After Advent’s posting of P3,000,000 replevin bond, which was double the value of the subject car at the time, through Stronghold Insurance Company, Incorporated (Stronghold), the trial court issued a Writ of Seizure8 directing the Sheriff to seize the subject car from Young. Upon receipt of the Writ of Seizure, Young turned over the car to Advent,9 which delivered the same to the rehabilitation receiver.10

 

Thereafter, Young filed an Answer alleging that as a former employee of Advent, he had the option to purchase the subject car at book value pursuant to the company car plan and to offset the value of the car with the proceeds of his retirement pay and stock option plan. Young sought the (1) execution of a deed of sale over the subject car; and (2) determination and payment of the net amount due him as retirement benefits under the stock option plan.

 

Advent filed a Reply with a motion to dismiss Young’s counterclaim, alleging that the counterclaim did not arise from or has no logical relationship with the issue of ownership of the subject car.

 

After issues have been joined, the parties entered into pre-trial on 2 April 2004, which resulted in the issuance of a pre-trial order of even date reciting the facts and the issues to be resolved during the trial.

 

 

On 28 April 2005, the trial court issued an Order dismissing the replevin case without prejudice for Advent’s failure to prosecute. In the same order, the trial court dismissed Young’s counterclaim against Advent for lack of jurisdiction. The order pertinently reads:

 

It appears that as of July 28, 2003, subject motor vehicle has been turned over to the plaintiff, thru its authorized representative, and adknowledged by the parties’ respective counsels in separate Manifestations filed. To date, no action had been taken by the plaintiff in the further prosecution of this case. Accordingly, this case is ordered dismissed without prejudice on the ground of failure to prosecute.

 

Anent plaintiff’s Motion to Dismiss defendant Young’s counterclaim for benefits under the retirement and stock purchase plan, the Court rules as follows: The only issue in this case is who is entitled to the possession of the subject motor vehicle. This issue may have a connection, but not a necessary connection with defendant’s rights under the retirement plan and stock purchase plan as to be considered a compulsory counterclaim.

 

x x x

 

Notably, defendant’s claim is basically one for benefits under and by virtue of his employment with the plaintiff, and the subject vehicle is merely an incident in that claim. Said claim is properly ventilated, as it is resolvable by, the Rehabilitation Courtwhich has jurisdiction and has acquired jurisdiction, to the exclusion of this Court. Accordingly, plaintiff’s Motion To Dismiss defendant Young’s counterclaim is granted.11

 

 

On 10 June 2005, Young filed a motion for partial reconsideration of the dismissal order with respect to his counterclaim.

 

On 8 July 2005, Young filed an omnibus motion, praying that Advent return the subject car and pay him P1.2 million in damages “(f)or the improper and irregular seizure” of the subject car, to be charged against the replevin bond posted by Advent through Stronghold.

 

On 24 March 2006, the trial court issued an Order denying Young’s motion for partial reconsideration, viz:

 

In the instant case, defendant, in his counterclaim anchored her [sic] right of possession to the subject vehicle on his alleged right to purchase the same under the company car plan. However, considering that the Court has already declared that it no longer has jurisdiction to try defendant’s counterclaim as it is now part of the rehabilitation proceedings before the corporate court concerned, the assertions in the Motion for Reconsiderations (sic) will no longer stand.

 

On the other hand, the plaintiff did not file a Motion for Reconsideration of the same Order, dismissing the complaint for failure to prosecute, within the reglementary period. Hence, the same has attained finality.

 

Defendant alleged that the dismissal of the case resulted in the dissolution of the writ. Nonetheless, the Court deems it proper to suspend the resolution of the return of the subject vehicle. In this case, the subject vehicle was turned over to plaintiff by virtue of a writ of replevin validly issued, the latter having sufficiently shown that it is the absolute/registered owner thereof. This was not denied by the defendant. Plaintiff’s ownership includes its right of possession. The case has been dismissed without a decision on the merits having been rendered. Thus, to order the return of the vehicle to one who is yet to prove his right of possession would not be proper.

 

Accordingly, the Motion for Partial Reconsideration is denied.12

 

 

On 8 June 2006, Young filed a motion to resolve his omnibus motion.

 

In an Order dated 5 July 2006, the trial court denied the motion to resolve, to wit:

 

In the instant case, the Court suspended the resolution of the return of the vehicle to defendant Roland Young. It should be noted that the writ of replevin was validly issued in favor of the plaintiff and that it has sufficiently established ownership over the subject vehicle which includes its right to possess. On the other hand, the case (Olympia International vs. Court of Appeals) cited by defendant finds no application to this case, inasmuch as in the former the Court has not rendered judgment affirming plaintiff’s (Olympia) right of possession on the property seized. Moreover, the Court, in the Order dated April 28, 2005, has already denied defendant’s counterclaim upon which he based his right of possession on the ground of lack of jurisdiction. Accordingly, the Court reiterates its previous ruling that to order the return of the subject vehicle to defendant Young, who is yet to prove his right of possession before theRehabilitation Courtwould not be proper.

 

WHEREFORE, there being no new and substantial arguments raised, the Motion to Resolve is denied.13

 

 

 

Young filed a petition for certiorari and mandamus with the Court of Appeals seeking to annul the trial court’s Orders of 24 March 2006 and 5 July 2006.

 

The Court of Appeals’ Ruling

 

 

In his petition before the Court of Appeals, Young argued mainly that the trial court committed grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction in (1) not directing the return of the subject vehicle to him; (2) refusing to hold a hearing to determine the damages to be recovered against the replevin bond; and (3) dismissing his counterclaim.

 

The Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Young and annulled the assailed rulings of the trial court. The Court of Appeals held:

 

It is noteworthy that the case was dismissed by the court a quo for failure of Advent to prosecute the same. Upon dismissal of the case, the writ of seizure issued as an incident of the main action (for replevin) became functus officio and should have been recalled or lifted. Since there was no adjudication on the merits of the case, the issue of who between Advent and petitioner has the better right to possess the subject car was not determined. As such, the parties should be restored to their status immediately before the institution of the case.

 

The Supreme Court’s ruling in Olympia International, Inc. vs. Court of Appeals (supra) squarely applies to the present controversy, to wit:

 

“Indeed, logic and equity demand that the writ of replevin be cancelled. Being provisional and ancillary in character, its existence and efficacy depended on the outcome of the case. The case having been dismissed, so must the writ’s existence and efficacy be dissolved. To let the writ stand even after the dismissal of the case would be adjudgingOlympiaas the prevailing party, when precisely, no decision on the merits had been rendered. The case having been dismissed, it is as if no case was filed at all and the parties must revert to their status before the litigation.”

 

Indeed, as an eminent commentator on Remedial Law expounds:

 

 

 

 

“The plaintiff who obtains possession of the personal property by a writ of replevin does not acquire absolute title thereto, nor does the defendant acquire such title by rebonding the property, as they only hold the property subject to the final judgment in the action.” (I Regalado, Remedial Law Compendium, Eighth Revised Edition, p. 686)

 

Reversion of the parties to the status quo ante is the consequence ex proprio vigore of the dismissal of the case. Thus, in Laureano vs. Court of Appeals (324 SCRA 414), it was held:

 

“(A)lthough the commencement of a civil action stops the running of the statute of prescription or limitations, its dismissal or voluntary abandonment by plaintiff leaves the parties in exactly the same position as though no action had been commenced at all.”

 

By the same token, return of the subject car to petitioner pending rehabilitation of Advent does not constitute enforcement of claims against it, much more adjudication on the merits of petitioner’s counterclaim. In other words, an order for such return is not a violation of the stay order, which was issued by the rehabilitation court on August 27, 2001. x x x

 

Corollarily, petitioner’s claim against the replevin bond has no connection at all with the rehabilitation proceedings. The claim is not against the insolvent debtor (Advent) but against bondsman, Stronghold. Such claim is expressly authorized by Sec. 10, Rule 60, in relation to Sec. 20, Rule 57, id., x x x14

 

 

The dispositive portion of the Court of Appeals’ decision reads:

 

 

WHEREFORE, premises considered, the instant petition is PARTLY GRANTED. The orders of the Regional Trial Court dated March 24, 2006 and July 5, 2006 are ANNULLED and SET ASIDE in so far as they suspended resolution of petitioner’s motion for, and/or disallowed, the return of the subject car to petitioner. Accordingly, respondent Advent Capital and Finance Corporation is directed to return the subject car to petitioner.

 

TheRegionalTrialCourtofMakatiCity(Branch 147) is directed to conduct a hearing on, and determine, petitioner’s claim for damages against the replevin bond posted by Stronghold Insurance Co.

 

SO ORDERED.15

 

 

Advent filed a motion for reconsideration, which was denied by the Court of Appeals in a Resolution dated 15 May 2008.

The Issue

 

 

The main issue in this case is whether the Court of Appeals committed reversible error in (1) directing the return of the seized car to Young; and (2) ordering the trial court to set a hearing for the determination of damages against the replevin bond.

 

 

The Court’s Ruling

 

 

The petition is partially meritorious.

 

 

On returning the seized vehicle to Young

 

We agree with the Court of Appeals in directing the trial court to return the seized car to Young since this is the necessary consequence of the dismissal of the replevin case for failure to prosecute without prejudice. Upon the dismissal of the replevin case for failure to prosecute, the writ of seizure, which is merely ancillary in nature, became functus officio and should have been lifted. There was no adjudication on the merits, which means that there was no determination of the issue who has the better right to possess the subject car. Advent cannot therefore retain possession of the subject car considering that it was not adjudged as the prevailing party entitled to the remedy of replevin.

 

Contrary to Advent’s view, Olympia International Inc. v. Court of Appeals16 applies to this case. The dismissal of the replevin case for failure to prosecute results in the restoration of the parties’ status prior to litigation, as if no complaint was filed at all. To let the writ of seizure stand after the dismissal of the complaint would be adjudging Advent as the prevailing party, when precisely no decision on the merits had been rendered. Accordingly, the parties must be reverted to their status quo ante. Since Young possessed the subject car before the filing of the replevin case, the same must be returned to him, as if no complaint was filed at all.

 

Advent’s contention that returning the subject car to Young would constitute a violation of the stay order issued by the rehabilitation court is untenable. As the Court of Appeals correctly concluded, returning the seized vehicle to Young is not an enforcement of a claim against Advent which must be suspended by virtue of the stay order issued by the rehabilitation court pursuant to Section 6 of the Interim Rules on Corporate Rehabilitation (Interim Rules).17 The issue in the replevin case is who has better right to possession of the car, and it was Advent that claimed a better right in filing the replevin case against Young. In defense, Young claimed a better right to possession of the car arising from Advent’s car plan to its executives, which he asserts entitles him to offset the value of the car against the proceeds of his retirement pay and stock option plan.

 

Young cannot collect a money “claim” against Advent within the contemplation of the Interim Rules. The term “claim” has been construed to refer to debts or demands of a pecuniary nature, or the assertion to have money paid by the company under rehabilitation to its creditors.18 In the replevin case, Young cannot demand that Advent pay him money because such payment, even if valid, has been “stayed” by order of the rehabilitation court. However, in the replevin case, Young can raise Advent’s car plan, coupled with his retirement pay and stock option plan, as giving him a better right to possession of the car. To repeat, Young is entitled to recover the subject car as a necessary consequence of the dismissal of the replevin case for failure to prosecute without prejudice.

 

On the damages against the replevin bond

 

Section 10, Rule 60 of the Rules of Court19 governs claims for damages on account of improper or irregular seizure in replevin cases. It provides that in replevin cases, as in receivership and injunction cases, the damages to be awarded upon the bond “shall be claimed, ascertained, and granted” in accordance with Section 20 of Rule 57 which reads:

 

Sec. 20. Claim for damages on account of improper, irregular or excessive attachment. – An application for damages on account of improper, irregular or excessive attachment must be filed before the trial or before appeal is perfected or before the judgment becomes executory, with due notice to the attaching obligee or his surety or sureties, setting forth the facts showing his right to damages and the amount thereof. Such damages may be awarded only after proper hearing and shall be included in the judgment on the main case. e

 

If the judgment of the appellate court be favorable to the party against whom the attachment was issued, he must claim damages sustained during the pendency of the appeal by filing an application in the appellate court with notice to the party in whose favor the attachment was issued or his surety or sureties, before the judgment of the appellate court becomes executory. The appellate court may allow the application to be heard and decided by the trial court.

 

Nothing herein contained shall prevent the party against whom the attachment was issued from recovering in the same action the damages awarded to him from any property of the attaching obligee not exempt from execution should the bond or deposit given by the latter be insufficient or fail to fully satisfy the award.

 

The above provision essentially allows the application to be filed at any time before the judgment becomes executory.20 It should be filed in the same case that is the main action,21 and with the court having jurisdiction over the case at the time of the application.22

e remed

In this case, there was no application for damages against Stronghold resulting from the issuance of the writ of seizure before the finality of the dismissal of the complaint for failure to prosecute. It appears that Young filed his omnibus motion claiming damages against Stronghold after the dismissal order issued by the trial court on 28 April 2005 had attained finality. While Young filed a motion for partial reconsideration on 10 June 2005, it only concerned the dismissal of his counterclaim, without any claim for damages against the replevin bond. It was only on 8 July 2005 that Young filed an omnibus motion seeking damages against the replevin bond, after the dismissal order had already become final for Advent’s non-appeal of such order. In fact, in his omnibus motion, Young stressed the finality of the dismissal order.23 Thus, Young is barred from claiming damages against the replevin bond.

 

In Jao v. Royal Financing Corporation,24 the Court held that defendant therein was precluded from claiming damages against the surety bond since defendant failed to file the application for damages before the termination of the case, thus:

 

 

The dismissal of the case filed by the plaintiffs-appellees on July 11, 1959, had become final and executory before the defendant-appellee corporation filed its motion for judgment on the bond on September 7, 1959. In the order of the trial court, dismissing the complaint, there appears no pronouncement whatsoever against the surety bond. The appellee-corporation failed to file its proper application for damages prior to the termination of the case against it. It is barred to do so now. The prevailing party, if such would be the proper term for the appellee-corporation, having failed to file its application for damages against the bond prior to the entry of final judgment, the bondsman-appellant is relieved of further liability thereunder.

 

Since Young is time-barred from claiming damages against the replevin bond, the dismissal order having attained finality after the application for damages, the Court of Appeals erred in ordering the trial court to set a hearing for the determination of damages against the replevin bond.

 

WHEREFORE, the Court GRANTS the petition IN PART. The Court SETS ASIDE the portion in the assailed decision of the Court of Appeals in CA-G.R. SP No. 96266 ordering the trial court to set a hearing for the determination of damages against the replevin bond.

 

SO ORDERED.

 

 

 

 

ANTONIO T. CARPIO

Associate Justice

 

WE CONCUR:

 

 

 

 

 

 

TERESITA J. LEONARDO-DE CASTRO

Associate Justice

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTURO D. BRION JOSE PORTUGAL PEREZ

Associate Justice Associate Justice

 

 

 

MARIA LOURDES P. A. SERENO

Associate Justice

 

ATTESTATION

I attest that the conclusions in the above Decision had been reached in consultation before the case was assigned to the writer of the opinion of the Court’s Division.

 

 

 

ANTONIO T. CARPIO

Associate Justice

Chairperson

 

CERTIFICATION

Pursuant to Section 13, Article VIII of the Constitution, and the Division Chairperson’s Attestation, I certify that the conclusions in the above Decision had been reached in consultation before the case was assigned to the writer of the opinion of the Court’s Division.

 

 

 

RENATO C. CORONA

Chief Justice

* Designated Actimg Member per Special Order No. 1006 dated 10 June 2011.

1 Under Rule 45 of the Rules of Court.

2 Rollo, pp. 37-48. Penned by Associate Justice Edgardo P. Cruz with Associate Justices Fernanda Lampas Peralta and Normandie B. Pizarro concurring.

3Id. at 50. Penned by Associate Justice Edgardo P. Cruz with Associate Justices Fernanda Lampas Peralta and Normandie B. Pizarro concurring.

4Id. at 90-91, 92. Penned by Judge Maria Cristina J. Cornejo.

5 Young admitted Advent’s ownership of the subject car.Id. at 159.

6 Docketed as Civil Case No. 01-1122.

7 Rollo, p. 66.

8Id. at 155.

9Id. at 156. In a Manifestation dated 8 August 2003, Young stated that he turned over the possession of the subject car to Atty. Gerald Soriano, an Associate of Advent’s counsel Atty. Edgardo L. de Jesus.

10Id. at 94-95. Atty. Johnny Y. Aruego, Jr. from the Office of the Rehabilitation Receiver wrote a letter, addressed to Verano Law Firm (Young’s counsel), confirming that the subject car was indeed in the possession, control and custody of Atty. Danilo L. Concepcion.

11Id. at 89.

12Id. at 91.

13Id. at 92.

14Id. at 43-45.

15Id. at 47.

16 259 Phil. 841 (1989).

17 Sec. 6. Stay Order. – If the court finds the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, it shall, not later than five (5) days from the filing of the petition, issue an Order (a) appointing a Rehabilitation Receiver and fixing his bond; (b) staying enforcement of all claims, whether for money or otherwise and whether such enforcement is by court action or otherwise, against the debtor, its guarantors and sureties not solidarily liable with the debtor; (c) prohibiting the debtor from selling, encumbering, transferring, or disposing in any manner any of its properties except in the ordinary course of business; x x x

18 Finasia Investments and Finance Corporation v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 107002, 7 October 1994, 237 SCRA 446, 450 cited in Panlilio v. Regional Trial Court, G.R. No. 173846, 2 February 2011.

19 Sec. 10 (Rule 60) Judgment to include recovery against sureties.
 

The amount, if any, to be awarded to any party upon any bond filed in accordance with the provisions of this Rule, shall be claimed, ascertained, and granted under the same procedure as prescribed in section 20 of Rule 57.

20 Carlos v. Sandoval, 508 Phil. 260, 277. .

21 Id. citing Paramount Insurance Corp. v. Court of Appeals, 369 Phil. 641 (1999).

22Id.

23 CA rollo, p. 75. Young alleged in his Omnibus Motion that “In an Order dated 28 April 2005, the [trial court] dismissed the case on the ground of failure to prosecute. To date and despite the lapse of more than fifteen (15) days from notice, Advent has not moved for reconsideration.”

24 No. L-16716, 28 April 1962, 4 SCRA 1210, 1215-1216.