Temere Animus

G.R. No. 128096. January 20, 1999.* PANFILO M. LACSON, petitioner, vs. THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, THE SANDIGANBAYAN, OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR, THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, MYRNA ABALORA, NENITA ALAP-AP, IMELDA PANCHO MONTERO, and THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, respondents. ROMEO M. ACOP and FRANCISCO G. ZUBIA, JR., petitioners-intervenors. Ponente: MARTINEZ, J.: Nature of the case: The constitutionality of Sections 4 and 7 of Republic Act No. 8249 — an act which further defines the jurisdiction of the Sandiganbayan — is being challenged in this petition for prohibition and mandamus. Petitioner Panfilo Lacson, joined by petitioners-intervenors Romeo Acop and Francisco Zubia, Jr., also seeks to prevent the Sandiganbayan from proceedings with the trial of Criminal Cases Nos. 23047-23057 (for multiple murder) against them on the ground of lack of jurisdiction. Facts: In May 1995, eleven members of the Kuratong Baleleng gang were killed by elements of the Anti-Bank Robbery and Intellige...

The Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) —now part of the Human Settlements Adjudication Commission (HSAC) —has exclusive jurisdiction over disputes related to subdivision and condominium projects . It regulates contracts between subdivision developers and lot buyers and enforces developer compliance with contractual and statutory obligations . HLURB Jurisdiction in Real Estate Disputes 📌 Scope of HLURB's Jurisdiction ✔ Claims between subdivision developers and lot buyers . ✔ Cases involving compliance with development obligations . ✔ Disputes related to unsound real estate practices . ✔ Refund claims by subdivision lot or condo buyers . ✔ Actions for specific performance in contracts and statutory obligations . 📌 Relevant Case: Geronimo vs Calderon (G.R. No. 201781, 2014) Jurisdictional Principles in HLURB Cases 📌 Jurisdiction Depends on Cause of Action ✔ HLURB jurisdiction is determined by the nature of the dispute , the property involved , and the ...