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REPUBLIC v. SANDIGANBAYAN

FACTS:

The case involves a petition for certiorari filed by the Republic of the Philippines against the Sandiganbayan's resolutions in Civil Case No. 0034. The case originated from a complaint filed by the Republic against Roberto S. Benedicto and others for alleged ill-gotten or unexplained wealth. The Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) issued writs of sequestration on Benedicto's properties, including 227 shares of stock in the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club, Inc. (NOGCCI). PCGG representatives sat as members of the NOGCCI Board of Directors and implemented a corporate policy change that imposed monthly membership dues on the sequestered shares. However, the PCGG failed to pay the membership dues, resulting in the 227 shares being declared delinquent and subsequently auctioned off.

Later, the Republic and Benedicto entered into a Compromise Agreement, which recognized Benedicto's capacity to acquire the sequestered shares. Benedicto then filed a motion for the release and return of the NOGCCI shares, which was eventually granted by the Sandiganbayan. However, the PCGG failed to comply with the Sandiganbayan's directive to deliver the sequestered shares to Benedicto or pay their value. This led to further motions and resolutions from the Sandiganbayan. The Republic then filed the present petition seeking to question the Sandiganbayan's holding on the matter.

ISSUES:

    • Whether the Sandiganbayan gravely abused its discretion in ordering the PCGG to pay private respondent Benedicto the value of the shares of stock in NOGCCI.
    • Whether the PCGG has shown any justifiable ground for not complying with its obligation.

RULING:

  1. The Court finds that the Sandiganbayan did not gravely abuse its discretion in ordering the PCGG to pay private respondent Benedicto the value of the shares of stock in NOGCCI. The Resolution of March 28, 1995, clarified the previous resolution and directed the immediate implementation of delivering the shares or paying their value to Benedicto. The PCGG's failure to comply with this directive warrants granting Benedicto's Motion for Compliance.

PRINCIPLES:

  • The PCGG, as a sequestrator, is obligated to comply with court directives regarding the release of sequestered properties.

  • The Sandiganbayan has the authority to enforce its own orders and ensure compliance from the parties involved.

  • Compliance with court orders is essential to the proper implementation of a compromise agreement and the final resolution of a case.