Subic Bay Legend Resorts v · G.R. 193426

Petitioner: Subic Bay Legend Resorts
Respondent: Bernard C. Fernandez
Citation: G.R. No. 193426
Court: Supreme Court
Division: Second Division
Ponente: Del Castillo, J.
Decided: September 29, 2014

Summary

This case involves a dispute over ownership of casino chips worth US$5,900.00 confiscated by Subic Bay Legend Resorts and Casinos from respondent's brothers. The casino claimed the chips were stolen by employee Michael Cabrera and given to the brothers for encashment. However, the brothers later recanted their initial statements implicating Cabrera. All three courts consistently ruled in favor of respondent, applying Article 559 of the Civil Code which creates a legal presumption that a person in possession of personal property is the lawful owner. The courts found that the casino failed to prove the chips were stolen, noting that no criminal case was filed against the alleged mastermind. The Supreme Court emphasized that the casino's arbitrary confiscation without legal basis constituted bad faith, justifying the award of attorney's fees. The decision reinforces the importance of due process and the burden of proof in property disputes.

Statutes applied

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By Intellegal Editorial Board · September 29, 2014

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