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5. Sec.

241

MANUFACTURERS HANOVER TRUST v. GUERRERO ISSUE: WoN there are genuine issues of fact that necessitate formal trial—YES.
February 19, 2003 | Carpio, J. | Petition for Review under Rule 45| Judicial Notice
RULING: Petition DENIED. There being substanstial triable issues, motion for
partial summary judgment is denied.
PETITIONER: Manufacturers Hanover Trust Co., and/or Chemical Bank
RESPONDENT: Rafael Ma. Guerrero
RATIO:
1. A genuine issue means an issue of fact which calls for the presentation of
SUMMARY: Respondent Guerrero filed a complaint for damages against
evidence as distinguished from an issue which is fictitious or contrived so as
petitioner Bank regarding his bank account. The Bank claimed that his account is
not to constitute a genuine issue for trial. Walden affidavit shows that the
governed by New York law which does not permit any claim except actual
facts and material allegations as pleaded by the parties are disputed and
damages. The Bank moved for a partial summary judgment which was supported
there are substantial triable issues necessitating a formal trial.
by an affidavit by a NY Atty. claiming that the governing law is New York law
Resolution of whether a foreign law allows only the recovery of actual
as stipulated by Guerrero’s bank account. SC ruled that there is a need for a trial
damages is a question of fact as far as the trial court is concerned since
as the Walden affidavit shows that the facts and allegations were disputed.
foreign laws do not prove themselves in our courts.
Foreign laws are not a matter of judicial notice and must be alleged and proven.
Foreign laws are not a matter of judicial notice. Like any other fact, they
DOCTRINE:
must be alleged and proven. The conflicting allegations as to whether New
York law or Philippine law applies to Guerreros claims present a clear
FACTS: dispute on material allegations which can be resolved only by a trial on the
1. Respondent Guerrero filed a complaint for damages against petitioner Bank merits. The Walden affidavit cannot be considered as proof of New York law
for allegedly: (a) illegally withheld taxes charged against interests on his on damages not only because it is self-serving but also because it does not
checking account with the Bank; (b) a returned check worth USS18,000.99 state the specific New York law on damages.
due to signature verification problems; and (c) unauthorized conversion of
his account. Guerrero cannot be said to have admitted the averments in the Banks motion
2. The Bank claimed that by stipulation Guerrero’s account is governed by for partial summary judgment and the Walden affidavit just because he failed
New York and this law does not permit any claim except actual damages. to file an opposing affidavit. The Bank still had the burden of proving New
The Bank filed a Motion for Partial Summary Judgment seeking to dismiss
the claims for consequential, nominal, temperate, moral and exemplary 1
SEC. 24. Proof of official record. The record of public documents referred to in
damages. paragraph (a) of Section 19, when admissible for any purpose, may be evidenced
by an official publication thereof or by a copy attested by the officer having the
3. The affidavit of Alyssa Walden, a New York attorney, supported the Bank’s legal custody of the record, or by his deputy, and accompanied, if the record is not
claim that Guerrero’s bank account stipulated that the governing law is New kept in the Philippines, with a certificate that such officer has the custody. If the
York law and that this law bars all of the claims except actual damages. The office in which the record is kept is in a foreign country, the certificate may be
Philippine Consular Office in NY authenticated the Walden affidavit. made by a secretary of the embassy or legation, consul general, consul, vice
4. CA: Even if the Walden affidavit is used for purpose of summary judgment, consul, or consular agent or by any officer in the foreign service of the Philippines
the Bank must still comply with the procedure prescribed by the Rule 132, stationed in the foreign country in which the record is kept, and authenticated by
the seal of his office.
York law and jurisprudence even if Guerrero did not present an opposing law or Philippine law applies to Guerrero’s claims present a clear dispute on
affidavit. material allegations which can be resolved only by a trial on the merits.
 The Bank, however, cannot rely on Willamette Iron and Steel Works v.
ISSUE: Muzzal or Collector of Internal Revenue v. Fisher to support its cause. These
 WON the Walden Affidavit was sufficient proof of the New York law and cases involved attorneys testifying in open court during the trial in the Philippines
jurisprudence relied upon by the Bank in its Motion for PSJ? – NO. and quoting the particular foreign laws sought to be established. On the other
hand, the Walden Affidavit was taken abroad ex parte and the affiant never
HELD: testified in open court. The Walden Affidavit cannot be considered as proof of
 NO. The Walden Affidavit failed to prove New York law and jurisprudence. The New York law on damages not only because it is self-serving but also because it
SC denied the Bank’s petition for lack of merit. does not state the specific New York law on damages.
 The CA considered the New York law and jurisprudence as public documents  The Walden Affidavit states conclusions from the affiant’s personal interpretation
defined in Rule 132 Sec 19 and 24 of the Rules of Evidence, which should be and opinion of the facts of the case vis a vis the alleged laws and jurisprudence
followed in proving foreign law. without citing any law in particular. The citations in the Walden Affidavit of various
 SEC. 19. Classes of Documents. – For the purpose of their presentation in U.S. court decisions do not constitute proof of the official records or decisions of
evidence, documents are either public or private. the U.S. courts.
Public documents are:  While the Bank attached copies of some of the U.S. court decisions cited in the
(a) The written official acts, or records of the official acts of the sovereign Walden affidavit, these copies do not comply with Section 24 of Rule 132 on
authority, official bodies and tribunals, and public officers, whether of the proof of official records or decisions of foreign courts.
Philippines, or of a foreign country;  The Bank failed to comply with Section 24 of Rule 132 on how to prove a foreign
 SEC. 24. Proof of official record. – The record of public documents referred to in law and decisions of foreign courts. The Walden Affidavit did not prove the
paragraph (a) of Section 19, when admissible for any purpose, may be current state of New York law and jurisprudence. Thus, the Bank has only
evidenced by an official publication thereof or by a copy attested by the officer alleged, but has not proved, what New York law and jurisprudence are on the
having the legal custody of the record, or by his deputy, and accompanied, if the matters at issue.
record is not kept in the Philippines, with a certificate that such officer has the
custody. If the office in which the record is kept is in a foreign country, the It Was Not Mandatory for Guerrero to Submit an Opposing Affidavit to the Walden
certificate may be made by a secretary of the embassy or legation, consul Affidavit
general, consul, vice consul, or consular agent or by any officer in the foreign  Next, the Bank makes much of Guerrero’s failure to submit an opposing affidavit
service of the Philippines stationed in the foreign country in which the record is to the Walden Affidavit. However, the pertinent provision of Rule 35 Sec 3 of the
kept, and authenticated by the seal of his office. old Rules of Court did not make the submission of an opposing affidavit
mandatory. Guerrero need not file an opposing affidavit to the Walden affidavit
The Walden Affidavit Failed to Prove New York Law and Jurisprudence because his complaint itself controverts the matters set forth in the Bank’s motion
 The Bank’s motion for PSJ as supported by the Walden Affidavit does not and the Walden affidavit. A party should not be made to deny matters already
demonstrate that Guerrero’s claims are sham, fictitious or contrived. On the averred in his complaint.
contrary, the Walden affidavit shows that the facts and material allegations as
pleaded by the parties are disputed and there are substantial triable issues  There being substantial triable issues between the parties, the courts a
necessitating a formal trial. quo correctly denied the Bank’s motion for partial summary judgment. There is a
 Foreign laws are not a matter of judicial notice. Like any other fact, they must be need to determine by presentation of evidence in a regular trial if the Bank is
alleged and proven. Certainly, the conflicting allegations as to whether New York guilty of any wrongdoing and if it is liable for damages under the applicable laws.
Canada that is engaged in the business of selling
CRESCENT PETROLEUM,
6. petroleum and oil products for the use and operation of
oceangoing vessels, to deliver marine fuel oils (bunker
LTD., Petitioner, vs. M/V fuels) to the Vessel. Petitioner Crescent granted and
confirmed the request through an advice via facsimile
"LOK MAHESHWARI," THE dated November 2, 1995. As security for the payment of
the bunker fuels and related services, petitioner Crescent
SHIPPING CORPORATION received two (2) checks in the amounts of US$100,000.00
and US$200,000.00. Thus, petitioner Crescent contracted
OF INDIA, and PORTSERV with its supplier, Marine Petrobulk Limited (Marine
Petrobulk), another Canadian corporation, for the
LIMITED physical delivery of the bunker fuels to the Vessel.
On or about November 4, 1995, Marine Petrobulk
G.R. No. 155014 November 11, delivered the bunker fuels amounting to US$103,544
inclusive of barging and demurrage charges to the Vessel
2005 at the port of Pioneer Grain, Vancouver, Canada. The
FACTS: Chief Engineer Officer of the Vessel duly acknowledged
Respondent M/V "Lok Maheshwari" (Vessel) is an and received the delivery receipt. Marine Petrobulk
oceangoing vessel of Indian registry that is owned by issued an invoice to petitioner Crescent for the
respondent Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), a US$101,400.00 worth of the bunker fuels. Petitioner
corporation organized and existing under the laws of Crescent issued a check for the same amount in favor of
India and principally owned by the Government of India. It Marine Petrobulk, which check was duly encashed.
was time-chartered by respondent SCI to Halla Merchant Having paid Marine Petrobulk, petitioner Crescent
Marine Co. Ltd. (Halla), a South Korean company. Halla, in issued a revised invoice dated November 21, 1995 to
turn, sub-chartered the Vessel through a time charter to "Portserv Limited, and/or the Master, and/or Owners,
Transmar Shipping, Inc. (Transmar). Transmar further and/or Operators, and/or Charterers of M/V ‘Lok
sub-chartered the Vessel to Portserv Limited (Portserv). Maheshwari’" in the amount of US$103,544.00 with
Both Transmar and Portserv are corporations organized instruction to remit the amount on or before December 1,
and existing under the laws of Canada. 1995. The period lapsed and several demands were made
On or about November 1, 1995, Portserv requested but no payment was received. Also, the checks issued to
petitioner Crescent Petroleum, Ltd. (Crescent), a petitioner Crescent as security for the payment of the
corporation organized and existing under the laws of bunker fuels were dishonored for insufficiency of funds.
As a consequence, petitioner Crescent incurred In a suit to establish and enforce a maritime lien for
additional expenses of US$8,572.61 for interest, tracking supplies furnished to a vessel in a foreign port, whether
fees, and legal fees. such lien exists, or whether the court has or will exercise
On May 2, 1996, while the Vessel was docked at the jurisdiction, depends on the law of the country where the
port of Cebu City, petitioner Crescent instituted before supplies were furnished, which must be pleaded and
the RTC of Cebu City an action "for a sum of money with proved.
prayer for temporary restraining order and writ of The Lauritzen-Romero-Rhoditis trilogy of cases,
preliminary attachment" against respondents Vessel and which replaced such single-factor methodologies as the
SCI, Portserv and/or Transmar. law of the place of supply. The multiple-contact test to
On May 3, 1996, the trial court issued a writ of determine, in the absence of a specific Congressional
attachment against the Vessel with bond at P2,710,000.00. directive as to the statute’s reach, which jurisdiction’s
Petitioner Crescent withdrew its prayer for a temporary law should be applied. The following factors were
restraining order and posted the required bond. considered: (1) place of the wrongful act; (2) law of the
On May 18, 1996, summonses were served to flag; (3) allegiance or domicile of the injured; (4)
respondents Vessel and SCI, and Portserv and/or allegiance of the defendant shipowner; (5) place of
Transmar through the Master of the Vessel. On May 28, contract; (6) inaccessibility of foreign forum; and (7) law
1996, respondents Vessel and SCI, through Pioneer of the forum. This is applicable not only to personal injury
Insurance and Surety Corporation (Pioneer), filed an claims arising under the Jones Act but to all matters
urgent ex-parte motion to approve Pioneer’s letter of arising under maritime law in general
undertaking, to consider it as counter-bond and to The Court cannot sustain petitioner Crescent’s
discharge the attachment. On May 29, 1996, the trial court insistence on the application of P.D. No. 1521 or the Ship
granted the motion; thus, the letter of undertaking was Mortgage Decree of 1978 and hold that a maritime lien
approved as counter-bond to discharge the attachment. exists. Out of the seven basic factors listed in the case of
Lauritzen, Philippine law only falls under one – the law of
ISSUE: the forum. All other elements are foreign – Canada is the
Whether the Philippine court has or will exercise place of the wrongful act, of the allegiance or domicile of
jurisdiction and entitled to maritime lien under our laws the injured and the place of contract; India is the law of
on foreign vessel docked on Philippine port and supplies the flag and the allegiance of the defendant shipowner.
furnished to a vessel in a foreign port? Applying P.D. No. 1521,a maritime lien exists would not
promote the public policy behind the enactment of the
RULING: law to develop the domestic shipping industry. Opening
up our courts to foreign suppliers by granting them a
maritime lien under our laws even if they are not entitled parties entered into a contract for supplies in Canada, they could not
to a maritime lien under their laws will encourage forum
shopping. In light of the interests of the various foreign have intended the laws of a remote country like the Philippines to

elements involved, it is clear that Canada has the most determine the creation of a lien by the mere accident of the Vessel's
significant interest in this dispute. The injured party is a being in Philippine territory.
Canadian corporation, the sub-charterer which placed the
orders for the supplies is also Canadian, the entity which 7. Edi-Staffbuilders Inc. (EDI) v. NLRC and Eleazar Gran
physically delivered the bunker fuels is in Canada, the G. R. No. 145587, October 26, 2007, J. Velasco, Jr.
place of contracting and negotiation is in Canada, and the FACTS:
supplies were delivered in Canada.
Gran was an OFW recruited by EDI, and deployed by ESI (another
recruitment agency) to work for OAB, in Riyadh, KSA. After Gran had been
working for about five months for OAB, his employment was terminated through
Second. P.D. No. 1521 or the Ship Mortgage Decree of 1978 is OAB's letter, based on: (1) non-compliance to contract requirements by the
recruitment agency primarily on the salary and contract duration; (2) Non-compliance
inapplicable following the factors under Restatement (Second) of to pre-qualification requirements by the recruitment agency, OAB; and (3)
Conflict of Laws. Like the Federal Maritime Lien Act of the U.S., P.D. No. insubordination or disobedience to Top Management Order and/or instructions (i.e.
non-submittal of daily activity reports despite several instructions). Gran received
1521 or the Ship Mortgage Decree of 1978 was enacted primarily to from OAB the total amount of SR 2,948.00 representing his final pay, and thereafter,
executed a declaration releasing OAB from any financial obligation.
protect Filipino suppliers and was not intended to create a lien from a
contract for supplies between foreign entities delivered in a foreign port. Upon arrival in the Philippines, Gran instituted a complaint, against
ESI/EDI and OAB inter alia, with the NLRC - NCR, Quezon City, for
underpayment of wages/salaries and illegal dismissal.
Third. Applying P.D. No. 1521 or the Ship Mortgage Decree of 1978 and

rule that a maritime lien exists would not promote the public policy ISSUE:
behind the enactment of the law to develop the domestic shipping
Whether or not Gran's dismissal is justifiable by reason of incompetence,
industry. Opening up our courts to foreign suppliers by granting them a insubordination, and disobedience.
maritime lien under our laws even if they are not entitled to a maritime
RULING:
lien under their laws will encourage forum shopping.
EDI failed to prove that Gran was justifiably dismissed due to
incompetence, insubordination, or willful disobedience. In illegal dismissal cases, it
Finally. The submission of petitioner is not in keeping with the
has been established by Philippine law and jurisprudence that the employer should
reasonable expectation of the parties to the contract. Indeed, when the prove that the dismissal of employees or personnel is legal and just.
In cases involving OFWs, the rights and obligations among and between FACTS:
the OFW, the local recruiter/agent, and the foreign employer/principal are governed
by the employment contract. A contract freely entered into is considered law between
the parties hence, should be respected. The employment contract signed by Gran
Petitioner Norma A. Del Socorro and respondent Ernst Johan Brinkman
specifically states that Saudi Labor Laws will govern matters not provided for in the Van Wilsem contracted marriage in Holland on September 25, 1990. On
contract (e.g. specific causes for termination, termination procedures, etc.). Being the January 19, 1994, they were blessed with a son named Roderigo Norjo
law intended by the parties (lex loci intentiones) to apply to the contract, Saudi Labor Van Wilsem, who at the time of the filing of the instant petition was
Laws should govern all matters relating to the termination of the employment of sixteen (16) years of age.
Gran.
Unfortunately, their marriage bond ended on July 19, 1995 by virtue of a
However, the party who wants to have a foreign law applied to a dispute or case has
the burden of proving the foreign law. The foreign law is treated as a question of fact Divorce Decree issued by the appropriate Court of Holland. At that time,
to be properly pleaded and proved as the judge or labor arbiter cannot take judicial their son was only eighteen (18) months old. Thereafter, petitioner and
notice of a foreign law. He is presumed to know only domestic or forum law. her son came home to the Philippines.
Unfortunately for EDI, it did not prove the pertinent Saudi laws on the matter; thus,
the doctrine of presumed-identity approach or processual presumption comes into According to petitioner, respondent made a promise to provide monthly
play. Where a foreign law is not pleaded or, even if pleaded, is not proved, the
presumption is that foreign law is the same as ours. Thus, Philippine labor laws was support to their son in the amount of Two Hundred Fifty (250) Guildene
applied in this case. (which is equivalent to Php17,500.00 more or less). However, since the
arrival of petitioner and her son in the Philippines, respondent never gave
According to Philippine laws, incompetence may be shown by weighing it against a support to the son, Roderigo.
standard, benchmark, or criterion. However, EDI failed to establish any such bases
to show how EDI found Gran incompetent. Likewise, in order to justify willful Not long thereafter, respondent came to the Philippines and remarried in
disobedience, it must be determined whether the order violated by the employee is
reasonable, lawful, made known to the employee, and pertains to the duties which he
Pinamungahan, Cebu, and since then, have been residing thereat.
had been engaged to discharge. In the case at bar, EDI failed to show that the order Respondent and his new wife established a business known as Paree
of the company which was violated—the submission of "Daily Activity Reports"— Catering, located at Barangay Tajao, Municipality of Pinamungahan, Cebu
was part of Gran's duties as a Computer Specialist. An allegation of incompetence City. To date, all the parties, including their son, Roderigo, are presently
should have a factual foundation. living in Cebu City.
Hence, petition is denied.
On August 28, 2009, petitioner, through her counsel, sent a letter
demanding for support from respondent. However, respondent refused
8. NORMA A. DEL SOCORRO, for and in behalf of her minor child to receive the letter.
RODERIGO NORJO VAN WILSEM, Petitioner,
vs. CRIME CHARGED: violation of Section 5, paragraph E(2) of R.A. No. 9262
ERNST JOHAN BRINKMAN VAN WILSEM, Respondent. (VAWC)
RTC: DISMISSED on the ground that the facts charged in the information concerned, specifically the provisions of the Family Code on support, the
do not constitute an offense with respect to the respondent who is an same only applies to Filipino citizens. By analogy, the same principle
ALIEN. applies to foreigners such that they are governed by their national law
with respect to family rights and duties
ISSUES:
The obligation to give support to a child is a matter that falls under family
1. Whether or not a foreign national has an obligation to support his rights and duties. Since the respondent is a citizen of Holland or the
minor child under Philippine law; and Netherlands, we agree with the RTC-Cebu that he is subject to the laws of
his country, not to Philippine law, as to whether he is obliged to give
2. Whether or not a foreign national can be held criminally liable under support to his child, as well as the consequences of his failure to do so.
R.A. No. 9262 for his unjustified failure to support his minor child.
This does not, however, mean that respondent is not obliged to support
SC HELD: petitioner’s son altogether.

*Note: petition was allowed to be directly appealed to the SC without In international law, the party who wants to have a foreign law applied to
violating hierarchy of courts since the petition involves purely questions a dispute or case has the burden of proving the foreign law. In the
of law. present case, respondent hastily concludes that being a national of the
Netherlands, he is governed by such laws on the matter of provision of
1. YES. Petitioner invokes Article 195 of the Family Code, which provides and capacity to support. While respondent pleaded the laws of the
the parent’s obligation to support his child. Petitioner contends that Netherlands in advancing his position that he is not obliged to support his
notwithstanding the existence of a divorce decree issued in relation to son, he never proved the same.
Article 26 of the Family Code, respondent is not excused from complying
with his obligation to support his minor child with petitioner. In view of respondent’s failure to prove the national law of the
Netherlands in his favor, the doctrine of processual presumption shall
On the other hand, respondent contends that there is no sufficient and govern. Under this doctrine, if the foreign law involved is not properly
clear basis presented by petitioner that she, as well as her minor son, are pleaded and proved, our courts will presume that the foreign law is the
entitled to financial support. Respondent also added that by reason of the same as our local or domestic or internal law. Thus, since the law of the
Divorce Decree, he is not obligated to petitioner for any financial support. Netherlands as regards the obligation to support has not been properly
pleaded and proved in the instant case, it is presumed to be the same
On this point, we agree with respondent that petitioner cannot rely on with Philippine law, which enforces the obligation of parents to support
Article 195 of the New Civil Code in demanding support from respondent, their children and penalizing the non-compliance therewith.
who is a foreign citizen, since Article 15 of the New Civil Code stresses
the principle of nationality. In other words, insofar as Philippine laws are
We likewise agree with petitioner that notwithstanding that the national Finally, we do not agree with respondent’s argument that granting, but
law of respondent states that parents have no obligation to support their not admitting, that there is a legal basis for charging violation of R.A. No.
children or that such obligation is not punishable by law, said law would 9262 in the instant case, the criminal liability has been extinguished on
still not find applicability for the reason that when the foreign law, the ground of prescription of crime. The act of denying support to a child
judgment or contract is contrary to a sound and established public under Section 5(e)(2) and (i) of R.A. No. 9262 is a continuing offense,
policy of the forum, the said foreign law, judgment or order shall not be which started in 1995 but is still ongoing at present. Accordingly, the
applied. crime charged in the instant case has clearly not prescribed.

Applying the foregoing, even if the laws of the Netherlands neither PETITION GRANTED, CASE REMANDED TO RTC.
enforce a parent’s obligation to support his child nor penalize the
noncompliance therewith, such obligation is still duly enforceable in the RULING:
Philippines because it would be of great injustice to the child to be
denied of financial support when the latter is entitled thereto. 1. YES. While it is true that Respondent Ernst is a citizen of Holland
or the Netherlands, we agree with the RTC that he is subject to the
Based on the foregoing legal precepts, we find that respondent may be laws of his country, not to Philippine law, as to whether he is
made liable under Section 5(e) and (i) of R.A. No. 9262 for unjustly obliged to give support to his child, as well as the consequences of
refusing or failing to give support to petitioner’s son. his failure to do so. This does not, however, mean that Ernst is not
obliged to support Norma’s son altogether. In international law,
In addition, considering that respondent is currently living in the
Philippines, we find strength in petitioner’s claim that the Territoriality the party who wants to have a foreign law applied to a dispute or
Principle in criminal law, in relation to Article 14 of the New Civil Code, case has the burden of proving the foreign law. In the present case,
applies to the instant case, which provides that: "[p]enal laws and those Ernst hastily concludes that being a national of the Netherlands, he
of public security and safety shall be obligatory upon all who live and is governed by such laws on the matter of provision of and capacity
sojourn in Philippine territory, subject to the principle of public to support. While Ernst pleaded the laws of the Netherlands in
international law and to treaty stipulations." On this score, it is advancing his position that he is not obliged to support his son, he
indisputable that the alleged continuing acts of respondent in refusing to never proved the same. It is incumbent upon Ernst to plead and
support his child with petitioner is committed here in the Philippines as prove that the national law of the Netherlands does not impose
all of the parties herein are residents of the Province of Cebu City. As upon the parents the obligation to support their child. Foreign laws
such, our courts have territorial jurisdiction over the offense charged
do not prove themselves in our jurisdiction and our courts are not
against respondent. It is likewise irrefutable that jurisdiction over the
authorized to take judicial notice of them. Like any other fact, they
respondent was acquired upon his arrest.
must be alleged and proved. Moreover, foreign law should not be
applied when its application would work undeniable injustice to the
citizens or residents of the forum. To give justice is the most
important function of law; hence, a law, or judgment or contract
that is obviously unjust negates the fundamental principles of
Conflict of Laws. Applying the foregoing, even if the laws of the
Netherlands neither enforce a parent’s obligation to support his
child nor penalize the non-compliance therewith, such obligation is
still duly enforceable in the Philippines because it would be of great
injustice to the child to be denied of financial support when the
latter is entitled thereto.

2. YES. The court has jurisdiction over the offense (R.A 9262)
because the foreigner is living here in the Philippines and
committed the offense here.

C. Exceptions to the Application of Foreign Law

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