Philippine Supreme Court Public Information Office

Paano ang proseso ng pagpapiyansa? Panoorin ang buong video: youtu.be/Nu7eMWaNwUU

Here’s the latest from the Supreme Court of the Philippines, May 15, 2026: •SC requires respondents to comment on Sen. Dela Rosa’s plea to stop his ICC arrest •SC: Lack of tools or equipment does not automatically mean labor-only contracting •SC issues Filipino Decision to advance access to justice •SAJ Leonen speaks on public governance and democracy Press Briefer, May 13, 2026: sc.judiciary.gov.ph/press-briefer-… Petitions in G.R. No. 278747 (Duterte and Dela Rosa v. Bersamin, et al.): tinyurl.com/mpuv266y Full text of G.R. No. 278747 (Duterte and Dela Rosa v. Bersamin, et al.): tinyurl.com/2577cema Full text of G.R. No. 258481 (Delera v. Philippine Foremost Milling, Corp.): sc.judiciary.gov.ph/?p=164807 Full text of G.R. No. 210480 (Velarde at Macasaet v. Kagalang-galang na Hukuman ng Pag-aapela sa Buwis: sc.judiciary.gov.ph/?p=165620 #SupremeCourtPH #SCphUpdates

#SCphPodcast EXCERPT: Under the law, are satellite airtime fees paid to a non-resident foreign corporation considered income from within the Philippines, and therefore subject to final withholding tax? If so, is the local payor liable for deficiency withholding tax and delinquency interest? Listen to the #SupremeCourtPH Podcast with guest Court of Tax Appeals Associate Justice Lanee S. Cui-David. A certified public accountant, Justice Cui-David is a member of the Taxation Law Department of the Philippine Judicial Academy. She previously served as Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue and headed the Bureau’s Information Systems Group. Supreme Court Chief Communications Officer Atty. Mike Navallo and Justice Cui-David discuss income tax from satellite transmissions within the context of the case of Aces Philippines Cellular Satellite Corporation v. The Commissioner of Internal Revenue, GR No. 226680. This decision was penned by Associate Justice Henri Jean-Paul B. Inting and decided by the Supreme Court En Banc on August 30, 2022. LISTEN to the FULL episode of this Podcast on Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/5KMfew… Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/sup… YouTube: youtu.be/KRN_9AxTsxM SC website: sc.judiciary.gov.ph/podcasts/

WORK SUSPENSION: All first- and second level courts in Aparri, Cagayan suspend work starting 3:00 P.M. today, May 15, 2026, in view of a scheduled power interruption. The courts shall have sufficient staff members to act on urgent requests for bail, orders of release, writs of habeas corpus, and similar urgent reliefs. #SCphWalangPasok #SupremeCourtPH

Nagpasya ang #KorteSuprema na ang mga pananakot na di-berbal (non-verbal threatening gestures) ay maaaring ituring na grave threats sa ilalim ng Revised Penal Code (RPC) kung malinaw na may criminal intent o layuning gumawa ng krimen. Sa desisyong isinulat ni Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa, pinawalang-sala ng Ikatlong Dibisyon ng Korte si Gregory Israel sa kasong grave threats matapos mapag-alamang wala siyang layuning gumawa ng krimen sa kanyang pagkukunwaring babarilin at pupugutan ng ulo ang dalawang indibidwal. Gayunman, nilinaw ng Korte na maaaring maisagawa ang krimeng grave threats sa pamamagitan ng di-berbal na kilos, at hindi lamang sa pamamagitan ng pasalita o nakasulat na pananakot. Si Israel na nagpakilala bilang Belgian architect na pinahintulutang magsanay ng kanyang propesyon sa Pilipinas, ay kinuha ng mga Belgian business partner na sina Christine Helena Amanda Navez at Olivier Edmund Denonville para sa pagpapatayo ng kanilang gusali. Matapos tumanggi si Israel na ayusin ang mga depekto sa nasabing gusali, nagpasya ang mag-business partner na sina Navez at Denonville na ihabla siya para masingil sa danyos. Bandang 2017, habang pauwi mula sa paliparan sina Navez at Denonville, ay muntik nilang makabanggaan ang motorsiklo ni Israel. Kalaunan, sinasabing gumawa si Israel ng dalawang malinaw na kilos ng pananakot: itinutok ang kanyang mga daliri sa ulo ni Navez na parang nagpapaputok ng baril, at iginalaw ang mga daliri sa kanyang leeg na tila nagbabanta ng pagpupugot sa kanyang ulo. Nahatulan si Israel ng grave threats. Nang pagtibayin ng Court of Appeals ang kanyang hatol, umapela siya sa Korte Suprema at iginiit na wala siyang layuning kriminal nang gawin niya ang mga kilos, at hindi saklaw ng Article 282 ng Revised Penal Code (RPC) ang mga kilos na di-berbal (pure non-verbal gestures). Pinawalang-sala ng Korte si Israel dahil hindi napatunayan ang layuning kriminal. Gayunman, hindi ito sumang-ayon sa kanyang isa pang argumento, at iginiit na ang mga di-berbal na kilos ay maaari ring ituring na grave threats. Para maparusahan ang isang tao sa kasong grave threats, dalawang elemento ang hinihingi ng RPC: ang aktwal na pagbigkas o pagpapahayag ng banta, at ang layuning manakot o magdulot ng takot. Pinagtibay ng Korte na ang Article 282 ng RPC ay hindi nagtatangi sa mga banta na ipinapahayag sa salita at sa mga ipinapakita sa pamamagitan ng di-berbal na mga kilos. Ang mahalaga ay ang paghahatid ng banta na may layuning manakot. Bagaman binabanggit sa ikalawang talata ng probisyon na ang mga banta ay maaaring ihatid nang pasalita o sa pamamagitan ng sulat, hindi nito isinasantabi ang mga banta na ipinapahayag sa pamamagitan ng di-berbal na mga paraan. Kaya, ang mga banta ay maaaring berbal o di-berbal. Basahin ang buong press release sa sc.judiciary.gov.ph/sc-non-verbal-… Basahin ang buong Desisyon sa sc.judiciary.gov.ph/265736-gregory… Sumunod sa Credit Attribution Policy ng SC PIO: sc.judiciary.gov.ph/credit-attribu… #SupremeCourtPH #ScphTranslations

WORK SUSPENSION: First-level court in Tuy, Batangas suspends work on May 18, 2026, in view of a scheduled power interruption. The courts shall have sufficient staff members to act on urgent requests for bail, orders of release, writs of habeas corpus, and similar urgent reliefs. #SCphWalangPasok #SupremeCourtPH

WORK SUSPENSION: First-level court in Padre Burgos-Agdangan, Quezon suspends work from 8:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. on May 18, 2026, in view of a scheduled power interruption. The courts shall have sufficient staff members to act on urgent requests for bail, orders of release, writs of habeas corpus, and similar urgent reliefs. #SCphWalangPasok #SupremeCourtPH

The #SupremeCourtPH has ruled that non-verbal threatening gestures with criminal intent may be considered grave threats under the 𝘙𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘗𝘦𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘊𝘰𝘥𝘦 (𝘙𝘗𝘊). In a Decision written by Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa, the SC’s Third Division acquitted Gregory Israel of grave threats after finding no criminal intent in his gesture of pretending to shoot and behead two individuals. But it clarified that the crime of grave threats may be committed through non-verbal gestures and not only through spoken or written words. Israel, who claimed to be a Belgian architect allowed to practice his profession in the Philippines, was hired by Belgian business partners Christine Helena Amanda Navez and Olivier Edmund Denonville for the construction of their building. After Israel refused to correct the construction defects in the said building, Navez and Denonville filed a case for damages against him. Sometime in 2017, while Navez and Denonville were on their way home from the airport, they nearly collided with Israel’s motorcycle. The latter then allegedly made two overt gestures: pointing his fingers at Navez’s head as if pulling a gun trigger and drawing his fingers across his neck as if threatening to behead Navez. Israel was convicted of grave threats. When his conviction was affirmed by the Court of Appeals, he sought relief from the SC, arguing that he had no criminal intent when he performed the acts, and that Article 282 of the 𝘙𝘗𝘊 does not cover pure non-verbal gestures. The SC acquitted Israel after finding that criminal intent was not proven. But it disagreed with his other argument, ruling that non-verbal gestures may be considered grave threats. To convict for grave threats, the 𝘙𝘗𝘊 requires two elements: the 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗿 𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘀 and the 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲. The SC held that Article 282 of the 𝘙𝘗𝘊 does not differentiate between threats conveyed verbally and those expressed through non-verbal gestures. What matters is the communication of a threat intended to intimidate. Although the second paragraph of the provision specifies that threats can be conveyed orally or in writing, it does not exclude threats conveyed through non-verbal means. Therefore, threats can be either verbal or non-verbal. Read the full text of the Press Release at sc.judiciary.gov.ph/?p=166072. Read the full text of the Decision at sc.judiciary.gov.ph/?p=164941. Copying of this content is subject to the SC PIO’s Credit Attribution Policy: sc.judiciary.gov.ph/credit-attribu….

#SupremeCourtPH (SC) Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen delivered a presentation on the Judiciary’s digital transformation initiatives and adoption of human-centered augmented intelligence before policy leaders and technology stakeholders at the 𝘎𝘖𝘝𝘟.0 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴 2026 summit held from May 5 to 6, 2026 in Pasay City. 𝘎𝘖𝘝𝘟.0 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴 is a summit on e-governance and public sector innovation, convening key decision-makers from government, technology, and regulatory institutions to examine the next frontier of smart, secure, and citizen-centric governance. SAJ Leonen highlighted the Judiciary’s digital reforms under the 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘤 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘑𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘐𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴2022-2027, emphasizing that digitalization is no longer optional but essential to meet the public’s demand for efficient, transparent, secure, and responsive services. He said the Judiciary is cautiously exploring the use of artificial or “augmented” intelligence (AI) as part of its digital reforms. While AI can help improve efficiency, SAJ Leonen noted that it must always be used responsibly. The SC follows the principle of “human primacy,” under which the AI tool can assist with research but must never decide cases. The Senior Associate Justice also emphasized the need for clear rules to guide AI use. These include ensuring AI outputs are explainable, systems are regularly checked for bias, and access remains equitable for all so that technology does not favor only those who can afford it. The SC has recently adopted the Governance Framework on the Use of Human-Centered Augmented Intelligence in the Judiciary anchored on ethics and proper management to ensure AI supports fairness, transparency, and accountability. Currently, the SC allows only limited use of AI tools, such as Scriptix, a transcription platform, while other applications remain under careful review. READ: sc.judiciary.gov.ph/?p=166079

𝟲 𝗗𝗔𝗬𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗚𝗢! | Justice Zones strengthen coordination among the five pillars of the criminal justice system: law enforcement, prosecution, courts, corrections, and the community. Be part of the Launching of the City of San Fernando Justice Zone on May 21, 2026, at Aureo Hotel, San Fernando, La Union, as we advance coordinated justice sector initiatives. #JSCC #JusticeZone #SanFernandoJusticeZone

WORK SUSPENSION: All first- and second-level courts in Lipa City, Batangas suspend work starting 3:00 P.M. today, May 15, 2026, in view of a scheduled power interruption. The courts shall have sufficient staff members to act on urgent requests for bail, orders of release, writs of habeas corpus, and similar urgent reliefs. #SCphWalangPasok #SupremeCourtPH

WORK SUSPENSION: Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos Hall of Justice in Angeles City suspends work and Saturday duty starting 12:00 P.M. on May 16, 2026, in view of the continuation of the termite-control treatment. The courts shall have sufficient staff members to act on urgent requests for bail, orders of release, writs of habeas corpus, and similar urgent reliefs. #SCphWalangPasok #SupremeCourtPH

WORK SUSPENSION: All first- and second-level courts in Brooke’s Point, Palawan suspend work starting 1:00 P.M. today, May 15, 2026, in view of the prolonged power interruption. The filing of time-bound pleadings and the issuance of time-bound resolutions and decisions, except in matters requiring immediate court action (applications for bail, release orders, writs of habeas corpus, and other similar urgent reliefs), are SUSPENDED until normal court operations resume. The courts shall have sufficient staff members to act on urgent requests for bail, orders of release, writs of habeas corpus, and similar urgent reliefs. #SCphWalangPasok #SupremeCourtPH

Newly uploaded pleadings in current cases involving public interest: G.R. No. E-04961 (Eldrige Marvin B. Aceron, et al. v. Senate Blue Ribbon Committee [Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations], represented by its Chairperson, Senator Panfilo M. Lacson, et al.) - Petition for Mandamus and Certiorari: sc.judiciary.gov.ph/wp-content/upl… - En Banc Resolution (April 29, 2026(sad) sc.judiciary.gov.ph/wp-content/upl… Copies of recent pleadings and orders in cases involving public interest are regularly uploaded to the Current Cases page of the #SupremeCourtPH website. SCAN the QR Code for the latest uploads.

The #SupremeCourtPH (SC), led by Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, emphasized the importance of regional collaboration and sound governance in the digital transformation of Southeast Asian justice systems during the 𝘈𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘈𝘴𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 (𝘈𝘚𝘌𝘈𝘕) 𝘉𝘢𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴’ 𝘚𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵 2026 hosted by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines from May 4 to 7, 2026 in Mandaluyong City. The 𝘚𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵 brought together representatives from bar associations, bar councils, and law societies from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam to reconcile the differing legal traditions of the member states, while maintaining a regional legal order that is resilient and responsive to change. Chief Justice Gesmundo led the opening ceremony. He was joined by SC Senior Associate Justice (SAJ) Marvic M.V.F. Leonen and SC Associate Justice Jose Midas P. Marquez. The Chief Justice underscored the importance of engaging in joint efforts across ASEAN jurisdictions and the ASEAN legal community’s common responsibility “to uphold justice and ensure fairness in our respective jurisdictions.” He highlighted how the integration of technological innovations into judicial processes demands thoughtful governance, careful calibration, and an unwavering commitment to due process, judicial independence, and the rule of law. The SC is advancing the responsible use of artificial intelligence into key areas of court operations as an assistive tool to improve efficiency, case management, and access to legal information—not a replacement for judicial reasoning. Meanwhile, SAJ Leonen underscored that digital transformation involves reevaluating how justice is delivered in light of both the opportunities and risks posed by technology. The SC's initiative 𝘦𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵 𝘗𝘏, an electronic filing system, aims to develop a fully digital judicial process within the Judiciary. He emphasized that digital transformation is not just about technology, but also about the people, the process, and its governance. READ: sc.judiciary.gov.ph/?p=166032

WORK SUSPENSION: RTC Branches 130 and 131 in Trece Martires City, Cavite suspend work starting 11:00 A.M. today, May 15, 2026, in view of a power interruption. The courts shall have sufficient staff members to act on urgent requests for bail, orders of release, writs of habeas corpus, and similar urgent reliefs. #SCphWalangPasok #SupremeCourtPH

📢 The Notice dated May 15, 2026, on the refund mechanics for the 2026 Bar Application Fee has been issued by the Office of the Bar Confidant. To know more, scan the QR code or click the link: sc.judiciary.gov.ph/wp-content/upl… #AweSAMbar2026 #StrivewithHopeandGrit #SuccessAchievedthroughMerit #SupremeCourtPH

WORK SUSPENSION: MTC of San Andres, MCTCs of Baras-Gigmoto and Panganiban-Viga-Bagamanoc in Catanduanes suspend work starting 12:00 P.M. on May 15, 2026, in view of a scheduled power interruption. The courts shall have sufficient staff members to act on urgent requests for bail, orders of release, writs of habeas corpus, and similar urgent reliefs. #SCphWalangPasok #SupremeCourtPH

WORK SUSPENSION: RTC Branches 15 and 132, OCC, and MTC of Naic, Cavite suspend work on May 15, 2026, in view of the Balsahan Karakol 2026 Festival. The courts shall have sufficient staff members to act on urgent requests for bail, orders of release, writs of habeas corpus, and similar urgent reliefs. #SCphWalangPasok #SupremeCourtPH

WORK SUSPENSION: MCTC of Dingras-Marcos, Ilocos Norte suspends work on May 15, 2026, in view of a scheduled power interruption. The courts shall have sufficient staff members to act on urgent requests for bail, orders of release, writs of habeas corpus, and similar urgent reliefs. #SCphWalangPasok #SupremeCourtPH