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Provisional Remedies by Atty.

Joel Famador
COMPILATION OF CASES: RULE 60

Cases FACTS RULING


6. 
BA FINANCE CORPORATION,
vs. HON. COURT OF
APPEALS and ROBERTO M.
REYES, G.R. No. 102998. July
5, 1996

5.  Spouses Tadiama purchased a 10 wheeler truck. They AFFIRMED


FILINVEST CREDIT executed a PN and a chattel mortgage over the motor
CORPORATION vs. CA and vehicle purchased to secure the PN Section 3 and 4 of Rule 60 states that it should be a “public officer” to implement
SPOUSES TADIAMA, [G.R. No.  Spouses defaulted and the petitioner filed an action for the replevin. In this case, it was not the sheriff or any proper officer of the trial
115902. September 27, 1995.] Replevin and damages court who implemented it.
 The Replevin was issued and the truck was seized by men
who turned out to be employees of petitioner The petitioner, actually asked the court to appoint a special sheriff. Yet it used its
 The spouses filed a counter bond but the property was not own employees who misrepresented themselves as deputy sheriffs. They insist
WON employees of plaintiff may returned. The representatives of FILINVEST said their on Bachrach Motor v Summers which stated that the only restriction of the
seize the property (NO) Insurance was one that is black listed and they had to wait mortgagee from seizure is that he must act in an orderly manner and without
for their lawyer to tell them it was ok to return creating a breach of the peace, subjecting himself to an action of Trespass.
WON it is only the owner who  They went to the warehouse of FILINVEST with the
can institute an action for representatives, the property custodian and the security Where, however, debtor refuses to yield up the property, the
Replevin. (NO) guard of the FILINVEST garage creditor must institute an action, either to effect a judicial
 Instead the spouses and their lawyer was sent on a goose foreclosure directly, or to secure possession as a preliminary to
case for the truck and petitioner would always deny knowing the sale contemplated in the provision above quoted. He cannot
where the truck was. lawfully take the property by force against the will of the debtor.
 They found the truck in a garage of another company and it Upon this point the American authorities are even more
was “cannibalized”, meaning stripped for parts. harmonious than they are upon the point that the creditor is
entitled to possession. As was said many years ago by the writer
 RTC ruled in favor of FILINVEST and ordered sps to pay
of this opinion in a monographic article contributed to an
remaining balance of PN. However, ordering FILINVEST to
encyclopedic legal treatise, "if possession cannot be peaceably
pay damages to sps for the illegal seizure of property.
obtained the mortgagee must bring an action." (Trust Deeds and
 CA affirmed in toto
Power of Sale Mortgages, 28 Am. & Eng. Encyc. of Law, 2d ed.,
783.) In the Article of Chattel Mortgages, in Corpus Juris, we nd
the following statement of the law on the same point: "The only
restriction on the mode by which the mortgagee shall secure
possession of the mortgaged property after breach of condition is
that he must act in an orderly manner and without creating a

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Provisional Remedies by Atty. Joel Famador
COMPILATION OF CASES: RULE 60

breach of the peace, subjecting himself to an action to trespass."


(11 C.J., 560; see also 5 R.C.L., 462.)

The reason why the law does not allow the creditor to possess
himself of the mortgaged property with violence and against the
will of the debtor is to be found in the fact that the creditor's right
of possession is conditioned upon the fact of default, and the
existence of this fact may naturally be the subject of controversy.
The debtor, for instance, may claim good faith, and rightly or
wrongly, that the debt is paid, or that for some other reason the
alleged default is nonexistent. His possession in this situation is
as fully entitled to protection as that of any other person, and in
the language of Article 446 of the Civil Code he must be respected
therein. To allow the creditor to seize the property against the will
of the debtor would make the former to a certain extent both judge
and executioner in his own cause — a thing which is inadmissible
in the absence of unequivocal agreement in the contract itself or
express provision to that effect in the statute.

Replevin is, of course, the appropriate action to recover possession preliminary to


the extrajudicial foreclosure of a chattel mortgage. Filinvest did in fact instituted
such an action and obtained a writ of replevin. And, by ling it, Filinvest admitted that
it cannot acquire possession of the mortgaged vehicle in an orderly or peaceful
manner. Accordingly, it should have left the enforcement of the writ in accordance
with Rule 60 of the Rules of Court which it had voluntarily invoked. Parenthetically,
it must be observed that the trial court erred in holding that the action for replevin
was "not in order as [Filinvest] is not the owner of the property (Sec. 2 par. (a) Rule
60)." 11 It is not only the owner who can institute a replevin suit. A person "entitled
to the possession" of the property also can, as provided in the same paragraph.

6.  Respondent Taguba executed a PN in favor of Petitioner Reversed, petition GRANTED.


NORTHERN MOTORS, INC,  Upon default, Petitioner filed a complaint against Taguba
vs. HON. AMEURFINA and attached an Affidavit for Replevin, executed by an officer There can be no question that persons having a special right of property in the
MELENCIO HERRERA, Judge of Petitioner. goods the recovery of which is sought, such as a chattel mortgagee, may
of CFI, and RALPH R. TAGUB,  RTC DENIED, because an affidavit must be submitted maintain an action for replevin therefor. Where the mortgage authorizes the
[G.R. No. L-32674. February alleging that the plaintiff is the owner or that he is entitled to mortgagee to take possession of the property on default, he may maintain an
22, 1973.] possession. It ruled that petitioner was not an owner and it is action to recover possession of the mortgaged chattels from the mortgagor or

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Provisional Remedies by Atty. Joel Famador
COMPILATION OF CASES: RULE 60

not entitled to its possession merely because the mortgagor from any person in whose hands he may find them. This is irrespective of whether
has failed to pay the account guaranteed by the mortgage. the mortgage contemplates a summary sale of the property or foreclosure by
o MR was filed but same was denied, the court saying court action
that the Petitioner may only file a Replevin only for
the purpose of delivering the chattel to the public As early as the case of Bachrach Motor Co. v. Summers (42 Phil. 6) We
officer for foreclosure sale explained that when the debtor defaults, and the creditor desires to foreclose the
o that even if the mortgagee has a right of possession, mortgaged chattel, he must necessarily take the mortgaged property in his hands,
that right is not unqualified but is subject to the but when the debtor refuses to yield the possession of the property, the creditor
obligation of delivering the possession of the must institute an action, either to effect a judicial foreclosure directly, or to secure
mortgaged chattel to the public officer for foreclosure possession as a preliminary to the sale contemplated under Section 14 of Act No.
 1508. The right of the mortgagee to have possession of the mortgaged chattel
 after the condition of the mortgage is breached must be therefore deemed to be
 well settled.

All what is required by Section 2 of Rule 60 is that upon applying for an order for
replevin, the plaintiff must show
 that he is "the owner of the property claimed, particularly describing it, or
is entitled to the possession thereof";
 that the property is wrongfully detained by the defendant with an
allegation on the cause of detention;
 that the same has not been taken for any tax assessment or fine levied
pursuant to law nor seized under any execution, or an attachment against
the property of such plaintiff or if so seized that it is exempt from seizure.
 The affidavit must also state the actual value of the property.

The affidavit of S. M. Laureola, Assistant to the General Manager of Northern


Motors, Inc. attached to the complaint, substantially complies with the aforecited
requirements.

There is nothing in the rules which state that it is only when the mortgagor refuses
to surrender the chattel to the sheriff that the action of replevin may be instituted.

while Section 14 of Act 1508 places upon "a public officer" the responsibility of
conducting the sale of the mortgaged chattel, there is nothing in said statute
which would authorize the officer to seize the mortgaged property; and that for the
recovery of possession of said property, where the right is disputed, "the creditor
must proceed along the channels by action in court."

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Provisional Remedies by Atty. Joel Famador
COMPILATION OF CASES: RULE 60

The basic reason why the creditor should initiate such action is because of the
circumstances that the creditor's right of possession of the subject-matter of the
chattel mortgage, as a preliminary to an extrajudicial foreclosure proceeding, is
conditioned upon the fact of actual default on the part of the principal
obligor, and the existence of this fact may naturally be the subject of
controversy. In case of such default and the mortgagee refuses upon demand,
to surrender possession of the mortgaged chattel so that it may be sold at public
auction pursuant to Section 14 of Act 1508, it would certainly be an exercise in
futility for the mortgagee to first request or direct the sheriff to "foreclose the
mortgage" or take possession of the property, before filing an action in court to
recover its possession. Such a procedure is completely unnecessary not only
because the sheriff has no duty or authority in the first instance to seize the
mortgaged property, but also because whenever the sheriff proceeds under
section 14 of the Chattel Mortgage Law, he becomes pro hac vice the mere agent
of the creditor. In any event it is only upon receiving the order of the Court
requiring the sheriff to take forthwith such property into his custody, that the duty
of said officer to take possession of the mortgaged chattel arises (Section 4, Rule
60, Revised Rules of Court).

It was therefore error for the court a quo to hold that petitioner has not sufficiently
averred its right to the possession of the property sought to be recovered.

7.  Petitioners purchased a Nissan Sedan through a financing DENIED


Sps FERNANDEZ vs. THE scheme from private respondent, ICB (Union Bank) and a
INTERNATIONAL chattel mortgage was instituted in favor of the respondent Territorial Enforcement of the Writ
CORPORATE BANK, now bank. Resolution of SC, Jan. 11, 1983, a writ of Replevin may be served anywhere in
UNION BANK OF THE  Respondent filed a complaint for sum of money with the Philippines. As the resolution only specifically mentions the following to be
PHILIPPINES and PREMIERE replevin. enforced anywhere in the REGION:
INSURANCE & SURETY CORP  Petitioner field a MTD because the principal amount involved 1. Certiorari
was 553,944.00, they claim MTC does not have jurisdiction. 2. Prohibition
WON the Writ of Replevin o Petitioners contested the venue saying that their 3. Mandamus
issued by MTC Pasay City could principal office was in Makati and residence was in 4. Quo Warranto,
be enforced outside? (YES) Quezon 5. Habeas Corpus
o Baseless filing = robbery
WON o They cannot be considered in default since they Therefore, any other writ whether produced by RTC, MTC, MeTC, MCTC may be
attempted many times to pay the bank their served anywhere in the Philippines.
installments and they never received any statement
of delinquency.

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Provisional Remedies by Atty. Joel Famador
COMPILATION OF CASES: RULE 60

o They attempted to consign the amount but was Malaloan v. Court of Appeals 11 reiterated the foregoing distinction between the
refused by the court for no reason. jurisdiction of the trial court and the administrative area:
 RTC denied the petition for dismissal as well as the lifting of
the replevin The rule enumerates the writs and processes which, even if
o The parties had prior agreement of the venue in issued by a regional trial court, are enforceable only within its
case there is case filed in court, in that case, MTC, judicial region. In contrast, it unqualifiedly provides that all other
Pasay, had jurisdiction writs and processes, regardless of which court issued the same,
o Under the ROC, the defendant had 5 days to post a shall be enforceable anywhere in the Philippines.
redelivery bind in order to secure the return of the
subject vehicle and to post a counterbond, double The objection to Venue was too late, it should have been filed before the filing of
the amount of the chattel. In this respect, the a Responsive Pleading, otherwise, it is waived. In this case, the issue of Venus
defendant failed to exercise his right was raised on time, their objection is thus waived.
 CA, affirmed
o The basic claim of the case did not exceed Petitioners argue that the value of the property seized is greater than 200,000.00,
200,000.00, hence within the JD of MTC Pasay. thus MTC does not have jurisdiction. However, what Petitioner fails to see is the
o The issue of venue should have been raised before fact that the amount on which jurisdiction should be based, is not on the property
a responsive pleading was filed, otherwise, it is itself, but on the claim owing to the petitioners. The fundamental claim in the main
considered waived. action against petitioners, as shown in respondent bank's Complaint, is the
o The Writ of Replevin could be validly executed collection of the sum of P190,635.90, an amount that is clearly within the
anywhere in Metro Manila because Sec 27, BP 129 jurisdiction of the MTC
authorizes establishment of MTC MM with 82
branches could issue writs that could be validly be Finally, the redelivery bond alone should have been double the amount of the
served and executed anywhere within MM chattel, thus, the consigned amount of the petitioner did not satisfy the
 Hence, this present petition. requirments of ROC.

8.  Petitioners applied for a writ of seizure for the recovery of the DENIED
ETHEL CASE and MINNA truck and filed a bond of 20k as provided by Sec 5 and 6 of
NANTZ, vs. FERNANDO Rule 62 According to sections 5 and 6, Rule 62, of the Rules of Court, if the defendant in a
JUGO, and FELIPE F. CRUZ,  The order was issued and carried out case of replevin wants to have the property returned to him, he must put up a
G.R. No. L-832. October 10,  Respondent field an ex parte motion for the return of the bond in double the amount of the chattel and furnish the plaintiff with a copy of the
1946. truck and filed a counterbond undertaking within ve days from the date the sheriff took possession of the
o Alleged: Attorney of Petitioner was asked WON the property. Both requirements are mandatory. The furnishing of a copy of the
WON there is still a need to Cbond was sufficient and he had no objections. counterbond has to be accomplished within the prescribed period if the plaintiff s
serve a copy of the counterbond o This was denied by Petitioner counsel but stated he to have an opportunity to contest the redelivery of the property sought by the
to the plaintiff, when counsel was present. defendant.
already has personal
knowledge. (NO)

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Provisional Remedies by Atty. Joel Famador
COMPILATION OF CASES: RULE 60

However, there was substantial compliance with the last requirement. Since the
sole purchase of furnishing a copy of the counterbond is to enable the plaintiff to
see if the bond is the prescribed from and for right amount and to resist the return
of the property to the defendant if it is not, that opportunity was afforded the
petitioners to the fullest extent when their attorney was shown in the sheriff's
office the defendant's counterbond. After the plaintiffs' attorney read or saw the
counterbond, service of a copy thereof on him became a purposeless,
unnecessary formality. There is no reason why the maxim, "Equity regards
substance rather than form," should not hold good here.

9.  Respondents Venancio Castañeda and Niceta Henson, set Affirmed, Petition DENIED.
PASTOR D. AGO vs CA, HON. up an action for Replevin in CFI, Manila to recover from
MANUEL P. BARCELONA, Pastor Ago a Caterpillar Tractor, a jaeger hoist and a cargo To begin with, where judgment is rendered for the articles or their value and they
BENITO MACROHON, truck. Asked for immediate delivery and thus posted a cannot be returned in substantially the same condition, it is settled that the
VENANCIO CASTAÑEDA and BOND. prevailing party may refuse to take them and instead sue on the redelivery bond
NICETAS HENSON, G.R. No. o CFI approved the bond and the seizure. or, as in this case, execute on the judgment for value (Kunz v s . Nelson, 76 P2d
L-19718. January 31, 1966 o Petitioner Ago field counterbond to retain the 577 [1938]). If the prevailing party has this right after judgment, it is at once
possession of machinery. obvious that he must also have the same right when, asking for the delivery p e n
 CFI rendered judgement for respondent, ordering the d e n t e lit e of the same property, he afterwards nds them in a substantially
petitioner to return the machineries. depreciated condition. Here, the Court of Appeals found "beyond dispute" that the
 Hence, appeal to SC. tractor and the hoist had so deteriorated that they had become unserviceable.
o During appeal, it was found out that the Surety This right to reject is assured in the first instance by the provision that the
became bankrupt.
o Thus petitioner were ordered to issue a new judgment in a suit for replevin must be in the alternative so as to afford a measure
sufficient counterbond. of relief where the property cannot be returned (Rule 60, sec. 9); in the second
 PETITIONER challenged the JD of trial court to issue the case it is implied from the requirement that "if for any reason the property is not
writ both in the CA and SC, but both were dismissed. delivered to the plaintiff, the officer must return it to the defendant." (Rule 60, sec.
 SHERIFF served the writ to manager of Petitioner and found 6). It then becomes the defendant's obligation to take them back upon tender of
out that the machineries were severely deteriorated and has the sheriff.
become useless.
o Because of the “dilapidated condition” of the But if, as explained, it was petitioner's obligation to accept redelivery of the
machineries the respondents refuse to take them. machines after their rejection by respondents, then it is clear that whether he took
o The sheriff made a report to the court, stating that, them back or not, he was liable for their detention. An action for replevin has for
because of respondents' refusal to take possession its object the recovery of some personal property; it is obvious that if the plaintiff
of the machines, "there is no other recourse but to in that action refuses to take delivery of the very property he sought to recover, it
return (them) to defendant Pastor D. Ago." must be for very good reasons which defeat his object.

So basically what happened was, R filed an action for Replevin But there is an even more fundamental reason why we think the lower court
against P. it was issued but P gave counterbond so the property was correctly ordered execution to proceed. As Moran aptly states: "[A] court cannot

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Provisional Remedies by Atty. Joel Famador
COMPILATION OF CASES: RULE 60

returned to P. However, CFI went ahead and ruled in favor of R, thus refuse to issue a writ of execution upon a nal and executory judgment, or quash it,
the order of seizure was served to P. but the machineries were now or order its stay, for, as a general rule, the parties will not be allowed, after nal
useless. R now refuses to accept the machinery saying that when they judgment, to object to the execution by raising new issues of fact or of law, nor
returned the machinery it was in good condition. Now the SC affirmed can it refuse — and the reason is more compelling — to issue such writ, or quash
the decision in the appeal and remanded to lower court. it or order its stay, when the judgment had been reviewed and armed by an
appellate court, for it cannot review or interfere with any matter decided on
 SC remanded to CFI and CFI issued a Writ of Execution for appeal, or give other or further relief, or assume supervisory jurisdiction to
a total of P172,923.87. interpret or reverse the judgment of the higher court." (2 Comments on the Rules
o Petitioner now claim that because of the “change in of Court 257 [1963])
the situation of the parties” it made it inequitable to
execute the writ. Petitioner claims that the But those cases, as A m o r v s . J u g o, 77 Phil. 703 (1946) subsequently
machinery was never returned to him. explained, cannot be invoked when the supposed change in the circumstances of
o Since the truck was basically junk, its value could the parties took place while the case was pending. The reason is that there is
not be determined, P should not be made to pay then no excuse for not bringing the matter to the attention of the court the fact or
99,877.09 circumstance that affects the outcome of the case. Such was the supposed
o DENIED motion of Petitioner saying he should have change in the situation of the parties in this case when, so it is claimed, the
raised this before the judgement became final. petitioner lost possession of the machines for the detention of which he was
 petitioner's house and lot in Quezon City ordered by final judgment to pay damages.
were levied upon by the Sheriff and
advertised for sale on October 25, 1961. Thus, affirmed.
o Petitioner filed MOTION to Stop the Sale, which was
DENIED. MR was also denied.
o Petitioner then filed Certiorari to CA, which was
dismissed.
o Hence, the appeal.
o

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