Case Summary (G.R. No. 165546)
Applicable Law
The laws relevant to this case include Republic Act No. 1161, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 735, which pertains to the entitlement of death benefits from the SSS, particularly sections that define dependents and beneficiaries.
Case Background
Following Pablo's death, Rosanna filed for death benefits on December 13, 1996, claiming support for herself and their minor daughter Jeylnn. The SSS initially processed her claim but later suspended the pension payments based on allegations from Leticia, who questioned Rosanna's legitimacy as a beneficiary, asserting that she abandoned the family and had children with another man, Romeo dela PeAa.
Investigation and Findings
An investigation by the SSS revealed that Rosanna had indeed lived with Dela PeAa after abandoning Pablo, and evidence purportedly indicated that Jeylnn was not Pablo's biological daughter but rather belonged to Dela PeAa. The decision of the SSS to suspend benefits was premised on a report asserting that Pablo was incapable of fathering children due to infertility.
Social Security Commission (SSC) Ruling
In a decision dated March 14, 2001, the SSC ruled against Rosanna and her claims. It concluded Rosanna was not a primary beneficiary due to her alleged infidelity and subsequent marriage to Dela PeAa while still married to Pablo. The SSC also found that Jeylnn's legitimacy was called into question, inferring based on testimonies that her birth was not legitimate.
Court of Appeals
Rosanna and her children appealed to the Court of Appeals (CA), which on September 9, 2003, reversed the SSC ruling, recognizing the birth certificates as binding evidence and affirming that Rosanna was still entitled to support. The CA held that the benefit payments to Rosanna and Jeylnn should be restored, as there was insufficient evidence to support the claims of abandonment or infidelity.
Supreme Court's Review
The SSS sought to have the CA’s ruling overturned, arguing that Rosanna's claimed dependency was negated by her relationship with Dela PeAa and questioning the legitimacy of Jeylnn and Janet. The Supreme Court, while focusing on the legal
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 165546)
Case Background
- The case involves a petition for review on certiorari filed by the Social Security System (SSS) against Rosanna H. Aguas, Janet H. Aguas, and minor Jeylnn H. Aguas concerning the entitlement to death benefits following the death of Pablo Aguas.
- Pablo Aguas, a member and pensioner of the SSS, passed away on December 8, 1996. His surviving spouse, Rosanna, filed for death benefits shortly after his death.
- Rosanna identified Jeylnn, born on October 29, 1991, as Pablo's child in her claim.
Contestations and Allegations
- In April 1997, Pablo's sister, Leticia Aguas-Macapinlac, submitted a sworn letter contesting Rosanna's claim, alleging abandonment and infidelity, asserting that Rosanna had been living with another man, Romeo dela PeAa.
- Leticia provided evidence of Rosanna's alleged children with Romeo, including the birth certificate of Jefren H. dela PeAa, born on November 15, 1996.
- Following these allegations, SSS suspended the pension payments to Rosanna and Jeylnn, leading to an investigation.
SSS Investigation Findings
- An investigation revealed testimonies suggesting that Rosanna had left Pablo and was living with Romeo, further stating that Pablo was incapable of fathering children due to infertility.
- The SSS ultimately denied Rosanna's request to resume pension payments and demanded a refund for benefits previously disbur