BERNABE L. NAVIDA, JOSE P. ABANGAN, JR., CEFERINO P. ABARQUEZ, ORLANDITO A. ABISON, FELIPE ADAYA, ALBERTO R. AFRICA, BENJAMIN M. ALBAO, FELIPE ALCANTARA, NUMERIANO S. ALCARIA, FERNANDO C. ALEJADO, LEOPOLDO N. ALFONSO, FLORO I. ALMODIEL, ANTONIO B. ALVARADO, ELEANOR AMOLATA, RODOLFO P. ANCORDA, TRIFINO F. ANDRADA, BERT B. ANOCHE, RAMON E. ANTECRISTO, ISAGANI D. ANTINO, DOMINGO ANTOPINA, MANSUETO M. APARICIO, HERMINIGILDO AQUINO, MARCELO S. AQUINO, JR., FELIPE P. ARANIA, ULYSES M. ARAS, ARSENIO ARCE, RUPERTO G. ARINZOL, MIGUEL G. ARINZOL, EDGARADO P. ARONG, RODRIGO D.R. ASTRALABIO, RONNIE BACAYO, SOFRONIO BALINGIT, NELSON M. BALLENA, EMNIANO BALMONTE, MAXIMO M. BANGI, SALVADOR M. BANGI, HERMOGENES T. BARBECHO, ARSENIO B. BARBERO, DIOSDADO BARREDO, VIRGILIO BASAS, ALEJANDRO G. BATULAN, DOMINGO A. BAUTISTA, VICTOR BAYANI, BENIGNO BESARES, RUFINO BETITO, GERARDO A. BONIAO, CARLO B. BUBUNGAN, FERNANDO B. BUENAVISTA, ALEJANDRINO H. BUENO, TOMAS P. BUENO, LEONARDO M. BURDEOS, VICENTE P. BURGOS, MARCELINO J. CABALUNA, DIOSDADO CABILING, EMETRIO C. CACHUELA, BRAULIO B. CADIVIDA, JR., SAMSON C. CAEL, DANIEL B. CAJURAO, REY A. CALISO, NORBERTO F. CALUMPAG, CELESTINO CALUMPAG, LORETO CAMACHO, VICTORIANO CANETE, DOMINADOR P. CANTILLO, FRUCTUSO P. CARBAJOSA, VICTORINO S. CARLOS, VICTOR CARLOS, GEORGE M. CASSION, JAIME S. CASTAÑARES, FLAVIANO C. CASTAÑARES, ELPIDIO CATUBAY, NATHANIEL B. CAUSANG, BEOFIL B. CAUSING, ADRIANO R. CEJAS, CIRILO G. CERERA, SR., CRISTITUTO M. CEREZO, DANTE V. CONCHA, ALBERT CORNELIO, CESAR CORTES, NOEL Y. CORTEZ, SERNUE CREDO, CORNELIO A. CRESENCIO, ALEX CRUZ, ROGER CRUZ, RANSAM CRUZ, CANUTO M. DADULA, ROMEO L. DALDE, ZACARIAS DAMBAAN, ELISEO DAPROZA, VIRGILIO P. DAWAL, TESIFREDO I. DE TOMAS, GAMALLER P. DEANG, CARMELINO P. DEANG, DIOSDADO P. DEANG, DOMINGO A. DEANG, FELIPE R. DEANG, JR., JULIETO S. DELA CRUZ, ELIEZER R. DELA TORRE, JEFFREY R. DELA TORRE, RAUL DEMONTEVERDE, FELIPE P. DENOLAN, RUBENCIO P. DENOY, RODRIGO M. DERMIL, ROLANDO B. DIAZ, LORENZO DIEGO, JOVENCIO DIEGO, SATURNINO DIEGO, GREGORIO DIONG, AMADO R. DIZON, FE DIZON, VIRGILO M. DOMANTAY, LEO S. DONATO, DOMINADOR L. DOSADO, NESTOR DUMALAG, FREDDIE DURAN, SR., MARIO C. ECHIVERE, AQUILLO M. EMBRADORA, MIGUEL EMNACE, RIO T. EMPAS, EFRAIM ENGLIS, ANICETO ENOPIA, DIOCENE ENTECOSA, RUBENTITO D. ENTECOSA, AVELINO C. ENTERO, FORTUNATA ENTRADA, ROGELIO P. EROY, RODOLFO M. ESCAMILLA, SERGIO C. ESCANTILLA, LAZARO A. ESPAÑOLA, EULOGIO M. ETURMA, PRIMO P. FERNANDEZ, EDILBERTO D. FERNANDO, GREGORIO S. FERNANDO, VICENTE P. FERRER, MARCELO T. FLOR, ANTONIO M. FLORES, REDENTOR T. FLOREZA, NORBERTO J. FUENTES, RICARDO C. GABUTAN, PEDRO D.V. GALEOS, ARNULFO F. GALEOS, EDGARDO V. GARCESA, BERNARDO P. GENTOBA, EDUARDO P. GENTOBA, VICTORIO B. GIDO, ROLANDO V. GIMENA, EARLWIN L. GINGOYO, ERNESTO GOLEZ, JUANITO G. GONZAGA, ONOFRE GONZALES, AMADO J. GUMERE, LEONARDO M. GUSTO, ALEJANDRO G. HALILI, NOEL H. HERCEDA, EMILIO V. HERMONDO, CLAUDIO HIPOLITO, TORIBIO S ILLUSORIO, TEODURO G. IMPANG, JR., GIL A. JALBUNA, HERMIE L. JALICO, ARMANDO B. JAMERLAN, NARCISO JAPAY, LIBURO C. JAVINAS, ALEJANDO S. JIMENEZ, FEDERICO T. JUCAR, NAPOLEON T. JUMALON, OSCAR JUNSAY, ANASTACIO D. LABANA, CARLOS C. LABAY, AVELINO L. LAFORTEZA, LOE LAGUMBAY, NORBETO D. LAMPERNIS, ROLANDO J. LAS PEÑAS, ISMAEL LASDOCE, RENOLO L. LEBRILLA, CAMILO G. LEDRES, ANASTACIO LLANOS, ARMANDO A. LLIDO, CARLITO LOPEZ, ARISTON LOS BAÑEZ, CONCISO L. LOVITOS, ARQUILLANO M. LOZADA, RODOLFO C. LUMAKIN, PRIMITIVO LUNTAO, JR., EMILIO S. MABASA, JR., JUANITO A. MACALISANG, TEOTIMO L. MADULIN, JOSEPH D. MAGALLON, PEDRO P. MAGLASANG, MARIO G. MALAGAMBA, JAIME B. MAMARADLO, PANFILO A. MANADA, SR., RICARDO S. MANDANI, CONCHITA MANDANI, ALBERTO T. MANGGA, ALEJANDRO A. MANSANES, RUFINO T. MANSANES, EUTIQUIO P. MANSANES, ALCIO P. MARATAS, AGAPITO D. MARQUEZ, RICARDO R. MASIGLAT, DENDERIA MATABANG, ARNELO N. MATILLANO, HERNANI C. MEJORADA, ROSITA MENDOZA, GREGORIO R. MESA, RENATO N. MILLADO, ANTONIO L. MOCORRO, ALBERTO M. MOLINA, JR., DOMINGO P. MONDIA, JUANITO P. MONDIA, RICARDO MONTAÑO, RAUL T. MONTEJO, ROGELIO MUNAR, RODOLFO E. MUÑEZ, CRESENCIO NARCISO, PANFILO C. NARCISO, BRICS P. NECOR, MOISES P. NICOLAS, NEMESIO G. NICOLAS, ALFREDO NOFIEL, FELIX T. NOVENA, MARCELO P. OBTIAL, SR., TEODORO B. OCRETO, BIBIANO C. ODI, ALFREDO M. OPERIO, TEOTISTO B. OPON, IZRO M. ORACION, ALAN E. ORANAS, ELPEDIO T. OSIAS, ERNESTO M. PABIONA, NARCISO J. PADILLA, NELSON G. PADIOS, SR., FRNACISCO G. PAGUNTALAN, RENE B. PALENCIA, MICHAEL P. PALOMAR, VIRGILIO E. PANILAGAO, NOLITO C. PANULIN, ROMEO PARAGUAS, NESTOR B. PASTERA, VICENTE Q. PEDAZO, EDGAR M. PEÑARANDA, ILUMINIDO B. PERACULLO, ANTONIO C. PEREZ, DOMINGO PEREZ, OSCAR C. PLEÑOS, ANTONIETO POLANCOS, SERAFIN G. PRIETO, ZENAIDA PROVIDO, FERNANDO Y. PROVIDO, ERNESTO QUERO, ELEAZAR QUIJARDO, WILLIAM U. QUINTOY, LAURO QUISTADIO, ROGELIO RABADON, MARCELINO M. RELIZAN, RAUL A. REYES, OCTAVIO F. REYES, EDDIE M. RINCOR, EMMANUEL RIVAS, RODULFO RIVAS, BIENVENIDO C. ROMANCA, JACINTO ROMOC, ROMEO S. ROMUALDO, ALBERTO ROSARIO, ROMEO L. SABIDO, SIMON SAGNIP, TIMOTEO SALIG, ROMAN G. SALIGONAN, VICTORINO SALOMON, GENEROSO J. SALONGKONG, RODOLFO E. SALVANI, JIMMY A. SAMELIN, EDUARDO A. SAMELIN, ANDRES A. SAMELIN, GEORGE SAMELIN, ROMEO A. SARAOSOS, RUDIGELIO S. SARMIENTO, CIRILO SAYAANG, JARLO SAYSON, LEONCIO SERDONCILLO, RODOLFO C. SERRANO, NESTOR G. SEVILLA, SIMEON F. SIMBA, CATALINO S. SIMTIM, SERAFIN T. SINSUANGCO, EDUARDO A. SOLA, VICTORINO M. SOLOMON, JAIME B. SUFICIENCIA, LYNDON SUMAJIT, ALFREDO P. SUMAJIT, ALFREDO L. SUMAJIT, PEDRO A. SUMARAGO, ERNESTO SUMILE, NESTOR S. SUMOG-OY, MANUEL T. SUPAS, WILFREDO A. TABAQUE, CONSTANCIO L. TACULAD, EUFROCINO A. TAGOTO, JR., SERAPIO TAHITIT, PANTALEON T. TAMASE, ERNESTO TARRE, MAGNO E. TATOY, AVELINO TAYAPAD, SAMUEL S. TERRADO, APOLINARIO B. TICO, ORLANDO TINACO, ALBERT G. TINAY, ANTONIO TOLEDO, ANTONIO M. TORREGOSA, ISABELO TORRES, JIMMY C. TORRIBIO, EDUARDO Y. TUCLAOD, JACINTO UDAL, RICARDO M. URBANO, ERNESTO G. VAFLOR, FILOMENO E. VALENZUELA, SALORIANO VELASCO, RODOLFO VIDAL, WALTER VILLAFAÑE, DANTE VILLALVA, PERIGRINO P. VILLARAN, JESUS L. VILLARBA, ELEAZAR D. VILLARBA, JENNY T. VILLAVA, HENRY C. VILLEGAS, DELFIN C. WALOG, RODOLFO YAMBAO, EDGAR A. YARE, MANSUETO M. YBERA, EDUARDO G. YUMANG, HENRY R. YUNGOT, ROMEO P. YUSON, ARSENIA ZABALA, FELIX N. ZABALA AND GRACIANO ZAMORA, Petitioners, v. HON. TEODORO A. DIZON, JR., PRESIDING JUDGE, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, BRANCH 37, GENERAL SANTOS CITY, SHELL OIL CO., DOW CHEMICAL CO., OCCIDENTAL CHEMICAL CORP., STANDARD FRUIT CO., STANDARD FRUIT & STEAMSHIP CO., DOLE FOOD CO., INC., DOLE FRESH FRUIT CO., DEL MONTE FRESH PRODUCE N.A., DEL MONTE TROPICAL FRUIT CO., CHIQUITA BRANDS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND CHIQUITA BRANDS, INC., Respondents.
[G.R. No. 125598 : May 30, 2011]
THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY AND OCCIDENTAL CHEMICAL CORPORATION, Petitioners, v. BERNABE L. NAVIDA, JOSE P. ABANGAN, JR., CEFERINO P. ABARQUEZ, ORLANDITO A. ABISON, FELIPE ADAYA, ALBERTO R. AFRICA, BENJAMIN M. ALBAO, FELIPE ALCANTARA, NUMERIANO S. ALCARIA, FERNANDO C. ALEJADO, LEOPOLDO N. ALFONSO, FLORO I. ALMODIEL, ANTONIO B. ALVARADO, ELEANOR AMOLATA, RODOLFO P. ANCORDA, TRIFINO F. ANDRADA, BERT B. ANOCHE, RAMON E. ANTECRISTO, ISAGANI D. ANTINO, DOMINGO ANTOPINA, MANSUETO M. APARICIO, HERMINIGILDO AQUINO, MARCELO S. AQUINO, JR., FELIPE P. ARANIA, ULYSES M. ARAS, ARSENIO ARCE, RUPERTO G. ARINZOL, MIGUEL G. ARINZOL, EDGARADO P. ARONG, RODRIGO D.R. ASTRALABIO, RONNIE BACAYO, SOFRONIO BALINGIT, NELSON M. BALLENA, EMNIANO BALMONTE, MAXIMO M. BANGI, SALVADOR M. BANGI, HERMOGENES T. BARBECHO, ARSENIO B. BARBERO, DIOSDADO BARREDO, VIRGILIO BASAS, ALEJANDRO G. BATULAN, DOMINGO A. BAUTISTA, VICTOR BAYANI, BENIGNO BESARES, RUFINO BETITO, GERARDO A. BONIAO, CARLO B. BUBUNGAN, FERNANDO B. BUENAVISTA, ALEJANDRINO H. BUENO, TOMAS P. BUENO, LEONARDO M. BURDEOS, VICENTE P. BURGOS, MARCELINO J. CABALUNA, DIOSDADO CABILING, EMETRIO C. CACHUELA, BRAULIO B. CADIVIDA, JR., SAMSON C. CAEL, DANIEL B. CAJURAO, REY A. CALISO, NORBERTO F. CALUMPAG, CELESTINO CALUMPAG, LORETO CAMACHO, VICTORIANO CANETE, DOMINADOR P. CANTILLO, FRUCTUSO P. CARBAJOSA, VICTORINO S. CARLOS, VICTOR CARLOS, GEORGE M. CASSION, JAIME S. CASTAÑARES, FLAVIANO C. CASTAÑARES, ELPIDIO CATUBAY, NATHANIEL B. CAUSANG, BEOFIL B. CAUSING, ADRIANO R. CEJAS, CIRILO G. CERERA, SR., CRISTITUTO M. CEREZO, DANTE V. CONCHA, ALBERT CORNELIO, CESAR CORTES, NOEL Y. CORTEZ, SERNUE CREDO, CORNELIO A. CRESENCIO, ALEX CRUZ, ROGER CRUZ, RANSAM CRUZ, CANUTO M. DADULA, ROMEO L. DALDE, ZACARIAS DAMBAAN, ELISEO DAPROZA, VIRGILIO P. DAWAL, TESIFREDO I. DE TOMAS, GAMALLER P. DEANG, CARMELINO P. DEANG, DIOSDADO P. DEANG, DOMINGO A. DEANG, FELIPE R. DEANG, JR., JULIETO S. DELA CRUZ, ELIEZER R. DELA TORRE, JEFFREY R. DELA TORRE, RAUL DEMONTEVERDE, FELIPE P. DENOLAN, RUBENCIO P. DENOY, RODRIGO M. DERMIL, ROLANDO B. DIAZ, LORENZO DIEGO, JOVENCIO DIEGO, SATURNINO DIEGO, GREGORIO DIONG, AMADO R. DIZON, FE DIZON, VIRGILO M. DOMANTAY, LEO S. DONATO, DOMINADOR L. DOSADO, NESTOR DUMALAG, FREDDIE DURAN, SR., MARIO C. ECHIVERE, AQUILLO M. EMBRADORA, MIGUEL EMNACE, RIO T. EMPAS, EFRAIM ENGLIS, ANICETO ENOPIA, DIOCENE ENTECOSA, RUBENTITO D. ENTECOSA, AVELINO C. ENTERO, FORTUNATA ENTRADA, ROGELIO P. EROY, RODOLFO M. ESCAMILLA, SERGIO C. ESCANTILLA, LAZARO A. ESPAÑOLA, EULOGIO M. ETURMA, PRIMO P. FERNANDEZ, EDILBERTO D. FERNANDO, GREGORIO S. FERNANDO, VICENTE P. FERRER, MARCELO T. FLOR, ANTONIO M. FLORES, REDENTOR T. FLOREZA, NORBERTO J. FUENTES, RICARDO C. GABUTAN, PEDRO D.V. GALEOS, ARNULFO F. GALEOS, EDGARDO V. GARCESA, BERNARDO P. GENTOBA, EDUARDO P. GENTOBA, VICTORIO B. GIDO, ROLANDO V. GIMENA, EARLWIN L. GINGOYO, ERNESTO GOLEZ, JUANITO G. GONZAGA, ONOFRE GONZALES, AMADO J. GUMERE, LEONARDO M. GUSTO, ALEJANDRO G. HALILI, NOEL H. HERCEDA, EMILIO V. HERMONDO, CLAUDIO HIPOLITO, TORIBIO S ILLUSORIO, TEODURO G. IMPANG, JR., GIL A. JALBUNA, HERMIE L. JALICO, ARMANDO B. JAMERLAN, NARCISO JAPAY, LIBURO C. JAVINAS, ALEJANDO S. JIMENEZ, FEDERICO T. JUCAR, NAPOLEON T. JUMALON, OSCAR JUNSAY, ANASTACIO D. LABANA, CARLOS C. LABAY, AVELINO L. LAFORTEZA, LOE LAGUMBAY, NORBETO D. LAMPERNIS, ROLANDO J. LAS PEÑAS, ISMAEL LASDOCE, RENOLO L. LEBRILLA, CAMILO G. LEDRES, ANASTACIO LLANOS, ARMANDO A. LLIDO, CARLITO LOPEZ, ARISTON LOS BAÑEZ, CONCISO L. LOVITOS, ARQUILLANO M. LOZADA, RODOLFO C. LUMAKIN, PRIMITIVO LUNTAO, JR., EMILIO S. MABASA, JR., JUANITO A. MACALISANG, TEOTIMO L. MADULIN, JOSEPH D. MAGALLON, PEDRO P. MAGLASANG, MARIO G. MALAGAMBA, JAIME B. MAMARADLO, PANFILO A. MANADA, SR., RICARDO S. MANDANI, CONCHITA MANDANI, ALBERTO T. MANGGA, ALEJANDRO A. MANSANES, RUFINO T. MANSANES, EUTIQUIO P. MANSANES, ALCIO P. MARATAS, AGAPITO D. MARQUEZ, RICARDO R. MASIGLAT, DENDERIA MATABANG, ARNELO N. MATILLANO, HERNANI C. MEJORADA, ROSITA MENDOZA, GREGORIO R. MESA, RENATO N. MILLADO, ANTONIO L. MOCORRO, ALBERTO M. MOLINA, JR., DOMINGO P. MONDIA, JUANITO P. MONDIA, RICARDO MONTAÑO, RAUL T. MONTEJO, ROGELIO MUNAR, RODOLFO E. MUÑEZ, CRESENCIO NARCISO, PANFILO C. NARCISO, BRICS P. NECOR, MOISES P. NICOLAS, NEMESIO G. NICOLAS, ALFREDO NOFIEL, FELIX T. NOVENA, MARCELO P. OBTIAL, SR., TEODORO B. OCRETO, BIBIANO C. ODI, ALFREDO M. OPERIO, TEOTISTO B. OPON, IZRO M. ORACION, ALAN E. ORANAS, ELPEDIO T. OSIAS, ERNESTO M. PABIONA, NARCISO J. PADILLA, NELSON G. PADIOS, SR., FRANCISCO G. PAGUNTALAN, RENE B. PALENCIA, MICHAEL P. PALOMAR, VIRGILIO E. PANILAGAO, NOLITO C. PANULIN, ROMEO PARAGUAS, NESTOR B. PASTERA, VICENTE Q. PEDAZO, EDGAR M. PEÑARANDA, ILUMINIDO B. PERACULLO, ANTONIO C. PEREZ, DOMINGO PEREZ, OSCAR C. PLEÑOS, ANTONIETO POLANCOS, SERAFIN G. PRIETO, ZENAIDA PROVIDO, FERNANDO Y. PROVIDO, ERNESTO QUERO, ELEAZAR QUIJARDO, WILLIAM U. QUINTOY, LAURO QUISTADIO, ROGELIO RABADON, MARCELINO M. RELIZAN, RAUL A. REYES, OCTAVIO F. REYES, EDDIE M. RINCOR, EMMANUEL RIVAS, RODULFO RIVAS, BIENVENIDO C. ROMANCA, JACINTO ROMOC, ROMEO S. ROMUALDO, ALBERTO ROSARIO, ROMEO L. SABIDO, SIMON SAGNIP, TIMOTEO SALIG, ROMAN B. SALIGONAN, VICTORINO SALOMON, GENEROSO M. SALONGKONG, RODOLFO E. SALVANI, JIMMY A. SAMELIN, EDUARDO A. SAMELIN, ANDRES A. SAMELIN, GEORGE SAMELIN, ROMEO A. SARAOSOS, RUDIGELIO S. SARMIENTO, CIRILO SAYAANG, JARLO SAYSON, LEONCIO SERDONCILLO, RODOLFO C. SERRANO, NESTOR G. SEVILLA, SIMEON F. SIMBA, CATALINO S. SIMTIM, SERAFIN T. SINSUANGCO, EDUARDO A. SOLA, VICTORINO M. SOLOMON, JAIME B. SUFICIENCIA, LYNDON SUMAJIT, ALFREDO P. SUMAJIT, ALFREDO L. SUMAJIT, PEDRO A. SUMARAGO, ERNESTO SUMILE, NESTOR S. SUMOG-OY, MANUEL T. SUPAS, WILFREDO A. TABAQUE, CONSTANCIO L. TACULAD, EUFROCINO A. TAGOTO, JR., SERAPIO TAHITIT, PANTALEON T. TAMASE, ERNESTO TARRE, MAGNO E. TATOY, AVELINO TAYAPAD, SAMUEL S. TERRADO, APOLINARIO B. TICO, ORLANDO TINACO, ALBERT G. TINAY, ANTONIO TOLEDO, ANTONIO M. TORREGOSA, ISABELO TORRES, JIMMY C. TORRIBIO, EDUARDO Y. TUCLAOD, JACINTO UDAL, RICARDO M. URBANO, ERNESTO G. VAFLOR, FILOMENO E. VALENZUELA, SALORIANO VELASCO, RODOLFO VIDAL, WALTER VILLAFAÑE, DANTE VILLALVA, PERIGRINO P. VILLARAN, JESUS L. VILLARBA, ELEAZAR D. VILLARBA, JENNY T. VILLAVA, HENRY C. VILLEGAS, DELFIN C. WALOG, RODOLFO YAMBAO, EDGAR A. YARE, MANSUETO M. YBERA, EDUARDO G. YUMANG, HENRY R. YUNGOT, ROMEO P. YUSON, ARSENIA ZABALA, FELIX N. ZABALA, AND GRACIANO ZAMORA, Respondents.
CORNELIO ABELLA, JR., IRENEO AGABATU, PRUDENCIO ALDEPOLIA, ARTEMIO ALEMAN, FIDEL ALLERA, DOMINGO ALONZO, CORNELIO AMORA, FELIPE G. AMORA, LEOPOLDO AMORADO, MARCELINO ANDIMAT, JORGE ANDOY, MARGARITO R. ANGELIA, GREGOTIO APRIANO, ALFREDO A. ARARAO, BONIFACIO L. ARTIGAS, JERSON ASUAL, SERAFIN AZUCENA, FELIX M. BADOY, JULIAN J. BAHALLA, REYNALDO BAHAYA, ANTONIO L. BALDAGO, CESAR N. BALTAZAR, DOMINADO A. BARING, ANTIPAS A. BATINGAL, MARCIANO NATINGAL, MARINO BIBANCO, LEANDRO BILIRAN, MARGARITO BLANCO, CATALINO BONGO, MELCHOR BRIGOLE, ELISEO BRINA, ROBERTO BRINA, LUIS BUGHAO, EDUARDO L. BURGUINZO, CELSO M. BUSIA, RPDITO CABAGTE, RICARADO C. CABALLES, CARLITO A. CAINDOC, CANDIDO CALO, JR., PEDRITO CAMPAS, FERNANDO R. CAPAROSO, DANILO CARILLO, BONIFACIO M. CATCHA, FRANKLIN CLARAS, JOSE F. COLLAMAT, BERNARDO M. COMPENDIO, CORNELIO COSTILLAS, ENERIO R. DAGAME, FELIMON DEBUMA, JR., RICADO C. DEIPARIME, GREGORIO S. DE LA PENA, JOSE G. DELUAO, JR., ELPEDIO A. DIAZ, QUINTINO DISIPULO, JR., CESAR G. DONAYRE, JOSE DULABAY, JAIRO DUQUIZA, ANTONIO ENGBINO, ALFREDO ESPINOSA, ALONZO FAILOG, JAIME FEROLINO, RODOLFO L. GABITO, PEDRO G. GEMENTIZA, RICARDO A. GEROLAGA, RODULFO G. GEROY, ROGELIO GONZAGA, ROLANDO GONZALES, MODESTO M. GODELOSAO, HECTOR GUMBAN, CAMILO HINAG, LECERIO IGBALIC, SILVERIO E. IGCALINOS, ALFREDO INTOD, OLEGARIO IYUMA, DOMINGO B. JAGMOC, JR., EDUARDO JARGUE, ROLANDO A. LABASON, ROLANDO LACNO, VIRGILIO A. LADURA, CONSTANCIO M. LAGURA, FRANCISCO LAMBAN, ENRIQUE LAQUERO, LUCIO B. LASACA, SISINO LAURDEN, VIVENCIO LAWANGON, ANECITO LAYAN, FERNANDO P. LAYAO, MARDENIO LAYAO, NEMENCIO C. LINAO, PEDRO LOCION, ENERIO LOOD, DIOSDADO MADATE, RAMON MAGDOSA, NILO MAGLINTE, MARINO G. MALINAO, CARLITO MANACAP, AURELIO A. MARO, CRISOSTOMO R. MIJARES, CESAR MONAPCO, SILVANO MONCANO, EMILIO MONTAJES, CESAR B. MONTERO, CLEMENTE NAKANO, RODRIGO H. NALAS, EMELIANO C. NAPITAN, JUANITO B. NARON, JR., LUCIO NASAKA, TEOFILO NUNEZ, JORGE M. OLORVIDA, CANULO P. OLOY, DOROTEO S. OMBRETE, TEOFILIO OMOSURA, MIGUEL ORALO, SUSANTO C. OTANA, JR., CHARLIE P. PADICA, ALFREDO P. PALASPAS, CATALINO C. PANA, ERNESTO M. PASCUAL, BIENVENIDO PAYAG, RESURRECCION PENOS, PEDRO PILAGO, ROMEO PRESBITERO, OMEO L. PRIEGO, ELADIO QUIBOL, JESUS D. QUIBOL, MAGNO QUIZON, DIONISIO RAMOS, MAMERTO RANISES, NESTOR B. REBUYA, RODRIGO REQUILMEN, ISIDRO RETANAL, CARLITO ROBLE, GLICERIO V. ROSETE, TINOY G. SABINO, MELCHOR SALIGUMBA, SILVERIO SILANGAN, ROBERTO SIVA, PACITA SUYMAN, CANILO TAJON, AVELINO TATAPOD, ROMEO TAYCO, RENATO TAYCO, CONRADO TECSON, AGAPITO TECSON, ROMAN. E. TEJERO, ALFREDO TILANDOCA, CARLOS B. TIMA, HERMONEGES TIRADOR, JOSELITO TIRO, PASTOR T. TUNGKO, LEANDRO B. TURCAL, VICENTE URQUIZA, VICENTE VILLA, ANTONIO P. VILLARAIZ, LEOPOLDO VILLAVITO AND SAMUEL M. VILLEGAS, Petitioners, v. THE HON. ROMEO D. MARASIGAN, PRESIDING JUDGE OF REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, BRANCH 16, DAVAO CITY, SHELL OIL CO., DOW CHEMICAL CO., OCCIDENTAL CHEMICAL CORP., STANDARD FRUIT CO., STANDARD FRUIT & STEAMSHIP CO., DOLE FOOD CO., INC., DOLE FRESH FRUIT CO., DEL MONTE FRESH PRODUCE N.A., DEL MONTE TROPICAL FRUIT CO., CHIQUITA BRANDS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND CHIQUITA BRANDS, INC., Respondents.
DEL MONTE FRESH PRODUCE N.A. AND DEL MONTE TROPICAL FRUIT CO., Petitioners, v. THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF DAVAO CITY, BRANCHES 16 AND 13, CORNELIO ABELLA, JR., IRENEO AGABATU, PRUDENCIO ALDEPOLIA, ARTEMIO ALEMAN, FIDEL ALLERA, DOMINGO ALONZO, CORNELIO AMORA, FELIPE G. AMORA, LEOPOLDO AMORADO, MARCELINO ANDIMAT, JORGE ANDOY, MARGARITO R. ANGELIA, GREGOTIO APRIANO, ALFREDO A. ARARAO, BONIFACIO L. ARTIGAS, JERSON ASUAL, SERAFIN AZUCENA, FELIX M. BADOY, JULIAN J. BAHALLA, REYNALDO BAHAYA, ANTONIO L. BALDAGO, CESAR N. BALTAZAR, DOMINADO A. BARING, ANTIPAS A. BATINGAL, MARCIANO NATINGAL, MARINO BIBANCO, LEANDRO BILIRAN, MARGARITO BLANCO, CATALINO BONGO, MELCHOR BRIGOLE, ELISEO BRINA, ROBERTO BRINA, LUIS BUGHAO, EDUARDO L. BURGUINZO, CELSO M. BUSIA, RPDITO CABAGTE, RICARADO C. CABALLES, CARLITO A. CAINDOC, CANDIDO CALO, JR., PEDRITO CAMPAS, FERNANDO R. CAPAROSO, DANILO CARILLO, BONIFACIO M. CATCHA, FRANKLIN CLARAS, JOSE F. COLLAMAT, BERNARDO M. COMPENDIO, CORNELIO COSTILLAS, ENERIO R. DAGAME, FELIMON DEBUMA, JR., RICADO C. DEIPARIME, GREGORIO S. DE LA PENA, JOSE G. DELUAO, JR., ELPEDIO A. DIAZ, QUINTINO DISIPULO, JR., CESAR G. DONAYRE, JOSE DULABAY, JAIRO DUQUIZA, ANTONIO ENGBINO, ALFREDO ESPINOSA, ALONZO FAILOG, JAIME FEROLINO, RODOLFO L. GABITO, PEDRO G. GEMENTIZA, RICARDO A. GEROLAGA, RODULFO G. GEROY, ROGELIO GONZAGA, ROLANDO GONZALES, MODESTO M. GODELOSAO, HECTOR GUMBAN, CAMILO HINAG, LECERIO IGBALIC, SILVERIO E. IGCALINOS, ALFREDO INTOD, OLEGARIO IYUMA, DOMINGO B. JAGMOC, JR., EDUARDO JARGUE, ROLANDO A. LABASON, ROLANDO LACNO, VIRGILIO A. LADURA, CONSTANCIO M. LAGURA, FRANCISCO LAMBAN, ENRIQUE LAQUERO, LUCIO B. LASACA, SISINO LAURDEN, VIVENCIO LAWANGON, ANECITO LAYAN, FERNANDO P. LAYAO, MARDENIO LAYAO, NEMENCIO C. LINAO, PEDRO LOCION, ENERIO LOOD, DIOSDADO MADATE, RAMON MAGDOSA, NILO MAGLINTE, MARINO G. MALINAO, CARLITO MANACAP, AURELIO A. MARO, CRISOSTOMO R. MIJARES, CESAR MONAPCO, SILVANO MONCANO, EMILIO MONTAJES, CESAR B. MONTERO, CLEMENTE NAKANO, RODRIGO H. NALAS, EMELIANO C. NAPITAN, JUANITO B. NARON, JR., LUCIO NASAKA, TEOFILO NUNEZ, JORGE M. OLORVIDA, CANULO P. OLOY, DOROTEO S. OMBRETE, TEOFILIO OMOSURA, MIGUEL ORALO, SUSANTO C. OTANA, JR., CHARLIE P. PADICA, ALFREDO P. PALASPAS, CATALINO C. PANA, ERNESTO M. PASCUAL, BIENVENIDO PAYAG, RESURRECCION PENOS, PEDRO PILAGO, ROMEO PRESBITERO, OMEO L. PRIEGO, ELADIO QUIBOL, JESUS D. QUIBOL, MAGNO QUIZON, DIONISIO RAMOS, MAMERTO RANISES, NESTOR B. REBUYA, RODRIGO REQUILMEN, ISIDRO RETANAL, CARLITO ROBLE, GLICERIO V. ROSETE, TINOY G. SABINO, MELCHOR SALIGUMBA, SILVERIO SILANGAN, ROBERTO SIVA, PACITA SUYMAN, CANILO TAJON, AVELINO TATAPOD, ROMEO TAYCO, RENATO TAYCO, CONRADO TECSON, AGAPITO TECSON, ROMAN. E. TEJERO, ALFREDO TILANDOCA, CARLOS B. TIMA, HERMONEGES TIRADOR, JOSELITO TIRO, PASTOR T. TUNGKO, LEANDRO B. TURCAL, VICENTE URQUIZA, VICENTE VILLA, ANTONIO P. VILLARAIZ, LEOPOLDO VILLAVITO AND SAMUEL M. VILLEGAS, Respondents.
CHIQUITA BRANDS, INC., AND CHIQUITA BRANDS INTERNATIONAL, INC., Petitioners, v. HON. ANITA ALFELOR-ALAGABAN, IN HER CAPACITY AS PRESIDING JUDGE OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, DAVAO CITY, BRANCH 13, CORNELIO ABELLA, JR., IRENEO AGABATU, PRUDENCIO ALDEPOLIA, ARTEMIO ALEMAN, FIDEL ALLERA, DOMINGO ALONZO, CORNELIO AMORA, FELIPE G. AMORA, LEOPOLDO AMORADO, MARCELINO ANDIMAT, JORGE ANDOY, MARGARITO R. ANGELIA, GREGOTIO APRIANO, ALFREDO A. ARARAO, BONIFACIO L. ARTIGAS, JERSON ASUAL, SERAFIN AZUCENA, FELIX M. BADOY, JULIAN J. BAHALLA, REYNALDO BAHAYA, ANTONIO L. BALDAGO, CESAR N. BALTAZAR, DOMINADO A. BARING, ANTIPAS A. BATINGAL, MARCIANO NATINGAL, MARINO BIBANCO, LEANDRO BILIRAN, MARGARITO BLANCO, CATALINO BONGO, MELCHOR BRIGOLE, ELISEO BRINA, ROBERTO BRINA, LUIS BUGHAO, EDUARDO L. BURGUINZO, CELSO M. BUSIA, RPDITO CABAGTE, RICARADO C. CABALLES, CARLITO A. CAINDOC, CANDIDO CALO, JR., PEDRITO CAMPAS, FERNANDO R. CAPAROSO, DANILO CARILLO, BONIFACIO M. CATCHA, FRANKLIN CLARAS, JOSE F. COLLAMAT, BERNARDO M. COMPENDIO, CORNELIO COSTILLAS, ENERIO R. DAGAME, FELIMON DEBUMA, JR., RICADO C. DEIPARIME, GREGORIO S. DE LA PENA, JOSE G. DELUAO, JR., ELPEDIO A. DIAZ, QUINTINO DISIPULO, JR., CESAR G. DONAYRE, JOSE DULABAY, JAIRO DUQUIZA, ANTONIO ENGBINO, ALFREDO ESPINOSA, ALONZO FAILOG, JAIME FEROLINO, RODOLFO L. GABITO, PEDRO G. GEMENTIZA, RICARDO A. GEROLAGA, RODULFO G. GEROY, ROGELIO GONZAGA, ROLANDO GONZALES, MODESTO M. GODELOSAO, HECTOR GUMBAN, CAMILO HINAG, LECERIO IGBALIC, SILVERIO E. IGCALINOS, ALFREDO INTOD, OLEGARIO IYUMA, DOMINGO B. JAGMOC, JR., EDUARDO JARGUE, ROLANDO A. LABASON, ROLANDO LACNO, VIRGILIO A. LADURA, CONSTANCIO M. LAGURA, FRANCISCO LAMBAN, ENRIQUE LAQUERO, LUCIO B. LASACA, SISINO LAURDEN, VIVENCIO LAWANGON, ANECITO LAYAN, FERNANDO P. LAYAO, MARDENIO LAYAO, NEMENCIO C. LINAO, PEDRO LOCION, ENERIO LOOD, DIOSDADO MADATE, RAMON MAGDOSA, NILO MAGLINTE, MARINO G. MALINAO, CARLITO MANACAP, AURELIO A. MARO, CRISOSTOMO R. MIJARES, CESAR MONAPCO, SILVANO MONCANO, EMILIO MONTAJES, CESAR B. MONTERO, CLEMENTE NAKANO, RODRIGO H. NALAS, EMELIANO C. NAPITAN, JUANITO B. NARON, JR., LUCIO NASAKA, TEOFILO NUNEZ, JORGE M. OLORVIDA, CANULO P. OLOY, DOROTEO S. OMBRETE, TEOFILIO OMOSURA, MIGUEL ORALO, SUSANTO C. OTANA, JR., CHARLIE P. PADICA, ALFREDO P. PALASPAS, CATALINO C. PANA, ERNESTO M. PASCUAL, BIENVENIDO PAYAG, RESURRECCION PENOS, PEDRO PILAGO, ROMEO PRESBITERO, OMEO L. PRIEGO, ELADIO QUIBOL, JESUS D. QUIBOL, MAGNO QUIZON, DIONISIO RAMOS, MAMERTO RANISES, NESTOR B. REBUYA, RODRIGO REQUILMEN, ISIDRO RETANAL, CARLITO ROBLE, GLICERIO V. ROSETE, TINOY G. SABINO, MELCHOR SALIGUMBA, SILVERIO SILANGAN, ROBERTO SIVA, PACITA SUYMAN, CANILO TAJON, AVELINO TATAPOD, ROMEO TAYCO, RENATO TAYCO, CONRADO TECSON, AGAPITO TECSON, ROMAN. E. TEJERO, ALFREDO TILANDOCA, CARLOS B. TIMA, HERMONEGES TIRADOR, JOSELITO TIRO, PASTOR T. TUNGKO, LEANDRO B. TURCAL, VICENTE URQUIZA, VICENTE VILLA, ANTONIO P. VILLARAIZ, LEOPOLDO VILLAVITO AND SAMUEL M. VILLEGAS, Respondents.
Delgado, Jorge Carcamo, Valdez and Isae Carcamo will be dismissed 90 days after the entry of this Memorandum and Order provided that defendants and third- and fourth-party defendants have:
(1) participated in expedited discovery in the United States xxx; (2) either waived or accepted service of process and waived any other jurisdictional defense within 40 days after the entry of this Memorandum and Order in any action commenced by a plaintiff in these actions in his home country or the country in which his injury occurred. Any plaintiff desiring to bring such an action will do so within 30 days after the entry of this Memorandum and Order; (3) waived within 40 days after the entry of this Memorandum and Order any limitations-based defense that has matured since the commencement of these actions in the courts of Texas; (4) stipulated within 40 days after the entry of this Memorandum and Order that any discovery conducted during the pendency of these actions may be used in any foreign proceeding to the same extent as if it had been conducted in proceedings initiated there; and (5) submitted within 40 days after the entry of this Memorandum and Order an agreement binding them to satisfy any final judgment rendered in favor of plaintiffs by a foreign court.x x x x
Notwithstanding the dismissals that may result from this Memorandum and Order, in the event that the highest court of any foreign country finally affirms the dismissal for lack of jurisdiction of an action commenced by a plaintiff in these actions in his home country or the country in which he was injured, that plaintiff may return to this court and, upon proper motion, the court will resume jurisdiction over the action as if the case had never been dismissed for [forum non conveniens].13
THE COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES
FILED WITH THE REGIONAL TRIAL
COURT SHOULD BE DISMISSED FOR
LACK OF JURISDICTION
x x x x
The substance of the cause of action as stated in the complaint against the defendant foreign companies cites activity on their part which took place abroad and had occurred outside and beyond the territorial domain of the Philippines. These acts of defendants cited in the complaint included the manufacture of pesticides, their packaging in containers, their distribution through sale or other disposition, resulting in their becoming part of the stream of commerce.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
Accordingly, the subject matter stated in the complaint and which is uniquely particular to the present case, consisted of activity or course of conduct engaged in by foreign defendants outside Philippine territory, hence, outside and beyond the jurisdiction of Philippine Courts, including the present Regional Trial Court.19
THE TORT ASSERTED IN THE
PRESENT COMPLAINT AGAINST
DEFENDANT FOREIGN COMPANIES
IS NOT WITHIN THE SUBJECT MATTER
JURISDICTION OF THE REGIONAL
TRIAL COURT, BECAUSE IT IS NOT
A TORT CATEGORY WITHIN THE
PURVIEW OF THE PHILIPPINE LAW
The specific tort asserted against defendant foreign companies in the present complaint is product liability tort. When the averments in the present complaint are examined in terms of the particular categories of tort recognized in the Philippine Civil Code, it becomes stark clear that such averments describe and identify the category of specific tort known as product liability tort. This is necessarily so, because it is the product manufactured by defendant foreign companies, which is asserted to be the proximate cause of the damages sustained by the plaintiff workers, and the liability of the defendant foreign companies, is premised on being the manufacturer of the pesticides.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
It is clear, therefore, that the Regional Trial Court has jurisdiction over the present case, if and only if the Civil Code of the Philippines, or a suppletory special law prescribes a product liability tort, inclusive of and comprehending the specific tort described in the complaint of the plaintiff workers.20
FILING OF CASES IN THE PHILIPPINES
- COERCED AND ANOMALOUS
The Court views that the plaintiffs did not freely choose to file the instant action, but rather were coerced to do so, merely to comply with the U.S. District Court's Order dated July 11, 1995, and in order to keep open to the plaintiffs the opportunity to return to the U.S. District Court.21
THE DEFENDANTS' SUBMISSION TO
JURISDICTION IS CONDITIONAL AS
IT IS ILLUSORY
Defendants have appointed their agents authorized to accept service of summons/processes in the Philippines pursuant to the agreement in the U.S. court that defendants will voluntarily submit to the jurisdiction of this court. While it is true that this court acquires jurisdiction over persons of the defendants through their voluntary appearance, it appears that such voluntary appearance of the defendants in this case is conditional. Thus in the "Defendants' Amended Agreement Regarding Conditions of Dismissal for Forum Non Conveniens" (Annex to the Complaint) filed with the U.S. District Court, defendants declared that "(t)he authority of each designated representative to accept service of process will become effective upon final dismissal of these actions by the Court". The decision of the U.S. District Court dismissing the case is not yet final and executory since both the plaintiffs and defendants appealed therefrom (par. 3(h), 3(i), Amended Complaint). Consequently, since the authority of the agent of the defendants in the Philippines is conditioned on the final adjudication of the case pending with the U.S. courts, the acquisition of jurisdiction by this court over the persons of the defendants is also conditional. x x x.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
The appointment of agents by the defendants, being subject to a suspensive condition, thus produces no legal effect and is ineffective at the moment.22
THE JURISDICTION FROWNS UPON
AND PROHIBITS FORUM SHOPPING
This court frowns upon the fact that the parties herein are both vigorously pursuing their appeal of the decision of the U.S. District court dismissing the case filed thereat. To allow the parties to litigate in this court when they are actively pursuing the same cases in another forum, violates the rule on 'forum shopping' so abhorred in this jurisdiction. x x x.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
x x x x
THE FILING OF THE CASE IN U.S.
DIVESTED THIS COURT OF ITS OWN
JURISDICTION
Moreover, the filing of the case in the U.S. courts divested this court of its own jurisdiction. This court takes note that the U.S. District Court did not decline jurisdiction over the cause of action. The case was dismissed on the ground of forum non conveniens, which is really a matter of venue. By taking cognizance of the case, the U.S. District Court has, in essence, concurrent jurisdiction with this court over the subject matter of this case. It is settled that initial acquisition of jurisdiction divests another of its own jurisdiction. x x x.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
x x x x
THIS CASE IS BARRED BY THE RULE
OF "LITIS PENDENCIA"
Furthermore, the case filed in the U.S. court involves the same parties, same rights and interests, as in this case. There exists litis pendencia since there are two cases involving the same parties and interests. The court would like to emphasize that in accordance with the rule on litis pendencia x x x; the subsequent case must be dismissed. Applying the foregoing [precept] to the case-at-bar, this court concludes that since the case between the parties in the U.S. is still pending, then this case is barred by the rule on "litis pendencia."23
It behooves this Court, then to dismiss this case. For to continue with these proceedings, would be violative of the constitutional provision on the Bill of Rights guaranteeing speedy disposition of cases (Ref. Sec. 16, Article III, Constitution). The court has no other choice. To insist on further proceedings with this case, as it is now presented, might accord this court a charming appearance. But the same insistence would actually thwart the very ends of justice which it seeks to achieve.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
This evaluation and action is made not on account of but rather with due consideration to the fact that the dismissal of this case does not necessarily deprive the parties - especially the plaintiffs - of their possible remedies. The court is cognizant that the Federal Court may resume proceedings of that earlier case between the herein parties involving the same acts or omissions as in this case.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
WHEREFORE, in view of the foregoing considerations, this case is now considered DISMISSED.24
Upon a thorough review of the Complaint and Amended Complaint For: Damages filed by the plaintiffs against the defendants Shell Oil Company, DOW Chemicals Company, Occidental Chemical Corporation, Standard Fruit Company, Standard Fruit and Steamship, DOLE Food Company, DOLE Fresh Fruit Company, Chiquita Brands, Inc., Chiquita Brands International, Del Monte Fresh Produce, N.A. and Del Monte Tropical Fruits Co., all foreign corporations with Philippine Representatives, the Court, as correctly pointed out by one of the defendants, is convinced that plaintiffs "would have this Honorable Court dismiss the case to pave the way for their getting an affirmance by the Supreme Court" (#10 of Defendants' Del Monte Fresh Produce, N.A. and Del Monte Tropical Fruit Co., Reply to Opposition dated July 22, 1996). Consider these:1) In the original Joint Complaint, plaintiffs state that: defendants have no properties in the Philippines; they have no agents as well (par. 18); plaintiffs are suing the defendants for tortuous acts committed by these foreign corporations on their respective countries, as plaintiffs, after having elected to sue in the place of defendants' residence, are now compelled by a decision of a Texas District Court to file cases under torts in this jurisdiction for causes of actions which occurred abroad (par. 19); a petition was filed by same plaintiffs against same defendants in the Courts of Texas, USA, plaintiffs seeking for payment of damages based on negligence, strict liability, conspiracy and international tort theories (par. 27); upon defendants' Motion to Dismiss on Forum non [conveniens], said petition was provisionally dismissed on condition that these cases be filed in the Philippines or before 11 August 1995 (Philippine date; Should the Philippine Courts refuse or deny jurisdiction, the U. S. Courts will reassume jurisdiction.)
11. In the Amended Joint Complaint, plaintiffs aver that: on 11 July 1995, the Federal District Court issued a Memorandum and Order conditionally dismissing several of the consolidated actions including those filed by the Filipino complainants. One of the conditions imposed was for the plaintiffs to file actions in their home countries or the countries in which they were injured x x x. Notwithstanding, the Memorandum and [O]rder further provided that should the highest court of any foreign country affirm the dismissal for lack of jurisdictions over these actions filed by the plaintiffs in their home countries [or] the countries where they were injured, the said plaintiffs may return to that court and, upon proper motion, the Court will resume jurisdiction as if the case had never been dismissed for forum non conveniens.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
The Court however is constrained to dismiss the case at bar not solely on the basis of the above but because it shares the opinion of legal experts given in the interview made by the Inquirer in its Special report "Pesticide Cause Mass Sterility," to wit:
- Former Justice Secretary Demetrio Demetria in a May 1995 opinion said: The Philippines should be an inconvenient forum to file this kind of damage suit against foreign companies since the causes of action alleged in the petition do not exist under Philippine laws. There has been no decided case in Philippine Jurisprudence awarding to those adversely affected by DBCP. This means there is no available evidence which will prove and disprove the relation between sterility and DBCP.
- Retired Supreme Court Justice Abraham Sarmiento opined that while a class suit is allowed in the Philippines the device has been employed strictly. Mass sterility will not qualify as a class suit injury within the contemplation of Philippine statute.
- Retired High Court Justice Rodolfo Nocom stated that there is simply an absence of doctrine here that permits these causes to be heard. No product liability ever filed or tried here.
Case ordered dismissed.40
IN REFUTATION
- THE COURT DISMISSED THE CASE DUE TO LACK OF JURISDICTION.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
a) The court did not simply dismiss the case because it was filed in bad faith with petitioners intending to have the same dismissed and returned to the Texas court.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
b) The court dismissed the case because it was convinced that it did not have jurisdiction.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
IN SUPPORT OF THE PETITION- THE TRIAL COURT HAS JURISDICTION OVER THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THE CASE.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
- The acts complained of occurred within Philippine territory.
- Art. 2176 of the Civil Code of the Philippines is broad enough to cover the acts complained of.
- Assumption of jurisdiction by the U.S. District Court over petitioner[s'] claims did not divest Philippine [c]ourts of jurisdiction over the same.
- The Compromise Agreement and the subsequent Consolidated Motion to Drop Party Respondents Dow, Occidental and Shell does not unjustifiably prejudice remaining respondents Dole, Del Monte and Chiquita.58
SEC. 19. Jurisdiction in civil cases. - Regional Trial Courts shall exercise exclusive original jurisdiction:
x x x x
(8) In all other cases in which the demand, exclusive of interest, damages of whatever kind, attorney's fees, litigation expenses, and costs or the value of the property in controversy exceeds One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) or, in such other cases in Metro Manila, where the demand, exclusive of the abovementioned items exceeds Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00).60
2. The exclusion of the term "damages of whatever kind" in determining the jurisdictional amount under Section 19 (8) and Section 33 (1) of B.P. Blg. 129, as amended by R.A. No. 7691, applies to cases where the damages are merely incidental to or a consequence of the main cause of action. However, in cases where the claim for damages is the main cause of action, or one of the causes of action, the amount of such claim shall be considered in determining the jurisdiction of the court.
PRAYER
WHEREFORE, premises considered, it is most respectfully prayed that after hearing, judgment be rendered in favor of the plaintiffs ordering the defendants:
a) TO PAY EACH PLAINTIFF moral damages in the amount of One Million Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (P1,500,00.00);
b) TO PAY EACH PLAINTIFF nominal damages in the amount of Four Hundred Thousand Pesos (P400,000.00) each;
c) TO PAY EACH PLAINTIFF exemplary damages in the amount of Six Hundred Thousand Pesos (P600,000.00);
d) TO PAY EACH PLAINTIFF attorneys fees of Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (P200,000.00); and
e) TO PAY THE COSTS of the suit.61
THE CAUSES OF ACTION
4. The Defendants manufactured, sold, distributed, used, AND/OR MADE AVAILABLE IN COMMERCE nematocides containing the chemical dibromochloropropane, commonly known as DBCP. THE CHEMICAL WAS USED AGAINST the parasite known as the nematode, which plagued banana plantations, INCLUDING THOSE in the Philippines. AS IT TURNED OUT, DBCP not only destroyed nematodes. IT ALSO CAUSED ILL-EFFECTS ON THE HEALTH OF PERSONS EXPOSED TO IT AFFECTING the human reproductive system as well.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
5. The plaintiffs were exposed to DBCP in the 1970s up to the early 1980s WHILE (a) they used this product in the banana plantations WHERE they were employed, and/or (b) they resided within the agricultural area WHERE IT WAS USED. As a result of such exposure, the plaintiffs suffered serious and permanent injuries TO THEIR HEALTH, including, but not limited to, STERILITY and severe injuries to their reproductive capacities.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
6. THE DEFENDANTS WERE AT FAULT OR WERE NEGLIGENT IN THAT THEY MANUFACTURED, produced, sold, and/or USED DBCP and/or otherwise, PUT THE SAME into the stream of commerce, WITHOUT INFORMING THE USERS OF ITS HAZARDOUS EFFECTS ON HEALTH AND/OR WITHOUT INSTRUCTIONS ON ITS PROPER USE AND APPLICATION. THEY allowed Plaintiffs to be exposed to, DBCP-containing materials which THEY knew, or in the exercise of ordinary care and prudence ought to have known, were highly harmful and injurious to the Plaintiffs' health and well-being.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
7. The Defendants WHO MANUFACTURED, PRODUCED, SOLD, DISTRIBUTED, MADE AVAILABLE OR PUT DBCP INTO THE STREAM OF COMMERCE were negligent OR AT FAULT in that they, AMONG OTHERS:
- Failed to adequately warn Plaintiffs of the dangerous characteristics of DBCP, or to cause their subsidiaries or affiliates to so warn plaintiffs;
- Failed to provide plaintiffs with information as to what should be reasonably safe and sufficient clothing and proper protective equipment and appliances, if any, to protect plaintiffs from the harmful effects of exposure to DBCP, or to cause their subsidiaries or affiliates to do so;
- Failed to place adequate warnings, in a language understandable to the worker, on containers of DBCP-containing materials to warn of the dangers to health of coming into contact with DBCP, or to cause their subsidiaries or affiliates to do so;
- Failed to take reasonable precaution or to exercise reasonable care to publish, adopt and enforce a safety plan and a safe method of handling and applying DBCP, or to cause their subsidiaries or affiliates to do so;
- Failed to test DBCP prior to releasing these products for sale, or to cause their subsidiaries or affiliates to do so; and
- Failed to reveal the results of tests conducted on DBCP to each plaintiff, governmental agencies and the public, or to cause their subsidiaries or affiliate to do so.
8. The illnesses and injuries of each plaintiff are also due to the FAULT or negligence of defendants Standard Fruit Company, Dole Fresh Fruit Company, Dole Food Company, Inc., Chiquita Brands, Inc. and Chiquita Brands International, Inc. in that they failed to exercise reasonable care to prevent each plaintiff's harmful exposure to DBCP-containing products which defendants knew or should have known were hazardous to each plaintiff in that they, AMONG OTHERS:
- Failed to adequately supervise and instruct Plaintiffs in the safe and proper application of DBCP-containing products;
- Failed to implement proper methods and techniques of application of said products, or to cause such to be implemented;
- Failed to warn Plaintiffs of the hazards of exposure to said products or to cause them to be so warned;
- Failed to test said products for adverse health effects, or to cause said products to be tested;
- Concealed from Plaintiffs information concerning the observed effects of said products on Plaintiffs;
- Failed to monitor the health of plaintiffs exposed to said products;
- Failed to place adequate labels on containers of said products to warn them of the damages of said products; and
- Failed to use substitute nematocides for said products or to cause such substitutes to [be] used.62 (Emphasis supplied and words in brackets ours.)
Article 2176. 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.
Art. 1217. Payment made by one of the solidary debtors extinguishes the obligation. If two or more solidary debtors offer to pay, the creditor may choose which offer to accept.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
He who made the payment may claim from his co-debtors only the share which corresponds to each, with the interest for the payment already made. If the payment is made before the debt is due, no interest for the intervening period may be demanded.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
When one of the solidary debtors cannot, because of his insolvency, reimburse his share to the debtor paying the obligation, such share shall be borne by all his co-debtors, in proportion to the debt of each.
Endnotes:
* Per Special Order No. 994 dated May 27, 2011.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
1Rollo (G.R. No. 125078), Vol. I, pp. 39-71.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
2Rollo (G.R. No. 125598), pp. 10-59.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
3Rollo (G.R. No. 125078), Vol. I, pp. 72-85; penned by Judge Teodoro A. Dizon, Jr.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
4Rollo (G.R. No. 125598), pp. 75-76.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
5 Id. at 77-78.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
6Rollo (G.R. No. 126654), pp. 12-36.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
7Rollo (G.R. No. 127856), pp. 16-31.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
8Rollo (G.R. No. 128398), pp. 17-42.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
9Rollo (G.R. No. 126654), pp. 34-35; penned by Judge Romeo D. Marasigan.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
10 Id. at224.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
11Rollo (G.R. No. 128398), p. 104.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
12Rollo (G.R. No. 127856), p. 238.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
13 Records, Vol. I, pp. 92-98.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
14 Id. at 1-12.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
15 DOLE filed its motion on December 28, 1995 (Records, Vol. I, pp. 527-535). DOW filed a similar motion on January 22, 1996 (id. at 581-586), while SHELL filed its own motion on February 12, 1996 (id. at 669-674). DEL MONTE filed its motion on February 29, 1996 (Records, Vol. II, pp. 699-714) and CHIQUITA filed its motion on February 29, 1996 (id. at 716-719).chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
16 Records, Vol. II, pp. 720-735.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
17 SHELL filed a Manifestation with Second Motion for Bill of Particulars on April 3, 1996 (Records, Vol. II, pp. 879-882). On even date, DOW and DOLE also filed their separate Motions for Bill of Particulars (id. at 895-901, 903-911). CHIQUITA filed its motion on April 8, 1996 (id. at 935-938), while DEL MONTE filed its motion on April 12, 1996 (id. at 940-956). OCCIDENTAL filed its motion on May 15, 1996 (id. at 1100-1105).chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
18 Records, Vol. II, pp. 1085-1092.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
19Rollo (G.R. No. 125078), Vol. I, pp. 74A-75.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
20 Id. at 77.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
21 Id. at 78.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
22 Id. at 79-80.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
23 Id. at 82-84.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
24 Id.at 85.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
25 Records, Vol. III, pp. 1205-1206.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
26 Id.at 1222-1241, 1243-1257, 1258-1278.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
27 Id.at 1303-1307.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
28 Id.at 1867-1879.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
29 Id.at 1410-1411.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
30 Id.at 1669-1674, 1689-1692.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
31 Records, Vol. IV, pp. 2064-2066.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
32Rollo (G.R. No. 125598), pp. 10-59.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
33 Id.at 158.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
34 Records, Vol. IV, pp. 1931-1969.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
35 Id.at 2465-2466.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
36 Id.at 2474-2485.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
37 Id.at 2512.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
38 Jesus Abayon, the first plaintiff named in the original complaint, was dropped in the amended joint complaint.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
39Rollo (G.R. No. 126654), p. 47.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
40 Id. at 37-38.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
41Rollo (G.R. No. 128398), p. 81.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
42 Id. at 82.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
43 Id. at 106-107.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
44 Id. at 211-212.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
45Rollo (G.R. No. 125078), Vol. I, pp. 1053-1056.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
46Rollo (G.R. No. 128398), pp. 238-240.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
47Rollo (G.R. No. 125078), Vol. I, pp. 1148-1190.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
48Rollo (G.R. No. 126654), pp. 777-781.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
49Rollo (G.R. No. 125078), Vol. I, pp. 2289-2411.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
50 Id. at 2421-2460.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
51 Id. at 2486-2511.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
52 Id., Vol. II, pp. 2551-2559.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
53Rollo (G.R. No. 125598), pp. 796-804.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
54 Id. at 807-811.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
55Rollo (G.R. No. 125078), Vol. II, pp. 2901-2903.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
56 Id. at 2916-2921.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
57Rollo (G.R. No. 125598), pp. 812-813.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
58Rollo (G.R. No. 125078), Vol. I, p. 2496.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
59Barangay Piapi v. Talip, 506 Phil. 392, 396 (2005); Radio Communications of the Philippines, Inc. v. Court of Appeals, 435 Phil. 62, 66 (2002).chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
60 Under Republic Act No. 7691, the jurisdictional amounts in civil cases would later be adjusted as provided in Section 5, to wit:SEC. 5. After five (5) years from the effectivity of this Act, the jurisdictional amounts mentioned in Sec. 19(3), (4), and (8); and Sec. 33(1) of Batas Pambansa Blg. 129 as amended by this Act, shall be adjusted to Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00). Five (5) years thereafter, such jurisdictional amounts shall be adjusted further to Three hundred thousand pesos (P300,000.00): Provided, however, That in the case of Metro Manila, the abovementioned jurisdictional amounts shall be adjusted after five (5) years from the effectivity of this Act to Four hundred thousand pesos (P400,000.00).
61Rollo (G.R. No. 125078), Vol. I, pp. 99-100.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
62 Id. at 95-98.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
63Rollo (G.R. No. 126654), p. 47.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
64 359 Phil. 719, 727 (1998).chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
65 Order dated May 20, 1996 of the General Santos City RTC, Rollo (G.R. No. 125078), Vol. I, pp. 72-86; penned by Judge Teodoro A. Dizon, Jr.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
66 Rules of Court, Rule 4, Section 2.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
67 See Saudi Arabian Airlines v. Court of Appeals, 358 Phil. 105 (1998).
68 411 Phil. 959 (2001).chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
69 Id. at 977-978.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
70Platinum Tours and Travel, Inc. v. Panlilio, 457 Phil. 961, 967-968 (2003).chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
71ABAKADA Guro Party List Officers Alcantara & Albano v. The Honorable Executive Secretary Ermita, 506 Phil. 1, 116 (2005).chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
72Andrade v. Court of Appeals, 423 Phil. 30, 43 (2001).chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
73Rollo (G.R. No. 125078), Vol. II, pp. 3220-3234.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
74 Id. at 3235-3272.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
75 The Release In Full bore the names of plaintiffs Leoncio Serdoncillo, Edgar M. Penaranda and Leonardo Burdeos, Jr. The Release in Full under the name of Bernabe Navida [Rollo (G.R. No. 125078), Vol. II, pp. 3390-3404] was attached to DEL MONTE's Supplement to Manifestation and Motion dated April 2, 2007.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
76Armed Forces of the Philippines Mutual Benefit Association, Inc. v. Court of Appeals, 370 Phil. 150, 163 (1999).chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
77Sanchez v. Court of Appeals, 345 Phil. 155, 182 (1997).chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
78 Article 2037 of the Civil Code reads:Art. 2037. A compromise has upon the parties the effect and authority of res judicata; but there shall be no execution except in compliance with a judicial compromise.
79Santos Ventura Hocorma Foundation, Inc. v. Santos, 484 Phil. 447, 455 (2004).chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
80California Bus Lines, Inc. v. State Investment House, Inc., 463 Phil. 689, 710 (2003).chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
81PH Credit Corporation v. Court of Appeals, 421 Phil. 821, 832 (2001).chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
82 381 Phil. 41 (2000).chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
83 Id. at 52-53.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
84 Supra note 76.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
85 Id. at 164.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
86 113 Phil. 373, 376-377 (1961).