Case Digest (G.R. No. 95386) Core Legal Reasoning Model
Core Legal Reasoning Model
Facts:
This case involves Miguela Campos Ong as the petitioner and Alfredo Ong, Jr. and Robert Ong as the respondents. The petition for review was filed against the decision of the Court of Appeals dated January 26, 1990, which affirmed the ruling of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 19, Cebu City. The Regional Trial Court had declared Alfredo and Robert Ong to be the illegitimate children of Manuel Ong, granting them entitlement to support. The events trace back to approximately 1953 when Manuel Ong, who identified himself as Alfredo Go, initiated a relationship with Saturnina Caballes at the Yarrow Beach Resort, Talisay, Cebu. Their relationship progressed with cohabitation lasting from 1954 to 1957, during which two children were born: Alfredo on June 28, 1955, and Robert on August 17, 1956. It was recorded that Manuel provided financial support to Saturnina and their children at certain points; however, this support dwindled severely by 1961, eventually leading to Manuel's outright Case Digest (G.R. No. 95386) Expanded Legal Reasoning Model
Expanded Legal Reasoning Model
Facts:
1. Parties Involved:
- Petitioner: Miguela Campos Ong, the surviving spouse of Manuel Ong.
- Respondents: Alfredo Ong, Jr. and Robert Ong, alleged illegitimate children of Manuel Ong with Saturnina Caballes.
2. Background of the Case:
- Manuel Ong died on May 21, 1990, while the case was pending appeal in the Court of Appeals.
- Alfredo Ong, Jr. and Robert Ong filed a case to compel Manuel Ong to recognize them as his illegitimate children and to provide them with support.
3. Evidence Presented by Respondents:
- Manuel Ong, using the alias Alfredo Go, had a relationship with Saturnina Caballes starting in 1953.
- They lived together for four months, and Manuel provided financial support, including money, rice, and other supplies.
- Alfredo Ong, Jr. was born on June 28, 1955, and Robert Ong was born on August 17, 1956.
- Manuel Ong stopped providing support after seven months, and Saturnina discovered his true identity.
- In 1961, Saturnina and her children again sought financial assistance from Manuel Ong, but he refused.
- On December 25, 1976, Alfredo and Robert visited Manuel Ong, who gave Alfredo a check for P100.00 as a graduation gift.
- In 1982, Alfredo asked Manuel for financial support for his education, but Manuel refused and threatened to call the police.
4. Trial Court and Court of Appeals Decisions:
- The trial court declared Alfredo and Robert as illegitimate children of Manuel Ong under Article 283, paragraphs 2 and 4 of the Civil Code.
- The Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court's decision and added Article 283, paragraph 3 as a ground for recognition.
Issues:
- Whether Alfredo Ong, Jr. and Robert Ong are the illegitimate children of Manuel Ong.
- Whether Manuel Ong is obligated to provide support to Alfredo and Robert.
- Whether the evidence presented by the respondents is sufficient to establish paternity under Article 283 of the Civil Code.
- Whether the trial court and the Court of Appeals erred in their findings of fact and law.
Ruling:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Ratio:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Conclusion:
The Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the Court of Appeals, holding that Alfredo Ong, Jr. and Robert Ong are the illegitimate children of Manuel Ong and are entitled to support. The Court found that the evidence presented by the respondents was sufficient to establish paternity under Article 283 of the Civil Code, and that the trial court and the Court of Appeals did not err in their findings of fact and law.