Oebanda v. People (Nature of Search Warrant) PDF

11/20/2020 SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED VOLUME 792

G.R. No. 208137. June 8, 2016.*

MARIA CECILIA OEBANDA, Executive Director and/or
THE OCCUPANTS and EMPLOYEES OF VISAYAN
FORUM FOUNDATION, INC., petitioners, vs. PEOPLE
OF THE PHILIPPINES, respondent.
Constitutional Law; Criminal Procedure; Search Warrants;

Probable Cause; Questions of Fact; In Microsoft Corporation v.
Maxicorp, Inc., 438 SCRA 224 (2004), the Supreme Court (SC)
held that the pivotal issue of whether there was probable cause to
issue the search warrant is a question of fact.—In Microsoft
Corporation v. Maxicorp, Inc., 438 SCRA 224 (2004), we held that
the pivotal issue of whether there was probable cause to issue the
search warrant is a question of fact. In the present case, the
resolution of this issue would require this Court to inquire into
the probative value of the evidence presented before the RTC.
Petitioners have raised an ar-
_______________
* SECOND DIVISION.

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624 SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED

Oebanda vs. People
gument that requires us to make an examination of the

transcript of stenographic notes taken during the search warrant
proceedings. This is exactly the situation which Section 1, Rule 45
www.central.com.ph/sfsreader/session/00000175e1e0df1e0ea7e4c0003600fb002c009e/t/?o=False 1/24
of the Rules of Court prohibits by requiring the petition to raise

only questions of law.
Same; Same; Same; In an application for search warrant, the
mandate of the judge is for him to conduct a full and searching
examination of the complainant and the witnesses he may produce.
—In an application for search warrant, the mandate of the judge
is for him to conduct a full and searching examination of the
complainant and the witnesses he may produce. The searching
questions propounded to the applicant and the witnesses must
depend on a large extent upon the discretion of the judge.
Although there is no hard-and-fast rule as to how a judge may
conduct his examination, it is axiomatic that the said examination
must be probing and exhaustive and not merely routinary,
general, peripheral or perfunctory. He must make his own inquiry
on the intent and factual and legal justifications for a search
warrant. The questions should not merely be repetitious of the
averments stated in the affidavits/deposition of the applicant and
the witnesses.
Same; Same; Same; The judge has the prerogative to give his
own judgment on the application of the search warrant by his own
evaluation of the evidence presented before him.—Clearly, the
records show that Judge Cabochan personally examined NBI
Agents Villasfer and Mercado, the applicants for the search
warrant, as well as their witnesses, Villacorte and Aguilar. The
interrogations conducted by the trial judge showed that the
applicants and their witnesses had personal knowledge of the
offense petitioners committed or were then committing. The judge
properly asked how the applicants came to know of the
falsification, where it was committed, what was involved, the
extent of their participation, and what they have seen and
observed inside Visayan Forum’s premises. We believe that the
questions propounded on them were searching and probing. The
trial judge made an independent assessment of the evidence
submitted and concluded that the evidence adduced and the
testimonies of the witnesses support a finding of probable cause
which warranted the issuance of a search warrant for violation of
Article 172(2) of the Revised Penal Code. Absent a showing to the
contrary, it is presumed that a judicial function has been
regularly performed. The

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judge has the prerogative to give his own judgment on the

application of the search warrant by his own evaluation of the
evidence presented before him. We cannot substitute our own
judgment to that of the judge.
Same; Same; Same; Words and Phrases; A search warrant is
an order in writing issued in the name of the People of the
Philippines, signed by a judge and directed to a peace officer,
commanding him to search for personal property described therein
and bring it before the court.—A search warrant is an order in
writing issued in the name of the People of the Philippines, signed
by a judge and directed to a peace officer, commanding him to
search for personal property described therein and bring it before
the court.
Same; Same; Same; Procedurally, the determination of
probable cause is a personal task of the judge before whom the
application for search warrant is filed, as he has to examine the
applicant and his or her witnesses in the form of “searching
questions and answers” in writing and under oath.—A search
warrant may be issued only if there is probable cause in
connection with a specific offense alleged in an application based
on the personal knowledge of the applicant and his witnesses.
This is the substantive requirement for the issuance of a search
warrant. Procedurally, the determination of probable cause is a
personal task of the judge before whom the application for search
warrant is filed, as he has to examine the applicant and his or her
witnesses in the form of “searching questions and answers” in
writing and under oath. The warrant, if issued, must particularly
describe the place to be searched and the things to be seized. In
the issuance of a search warrant, probable cause requires such
facts and circumstances which would lead a reasonably discrete
and prudent man to believe that an offense has been committed
and that the objects sought in connection with the offense are in
the place sought to be searched. In People v. Punzalan, 774 SCRA
653 (2015), we held that there is no exact test for the
determination of probable cause in the issuance of search
warrants. It is a matter wholly dependent on the finding of trial
judges in the process of exercising their judicial function.

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Oebanda vs. People
Same; Same; Same; When a finding of probable cause for the

issuance of a search warrant is made by a trial judge, the finding
is accorded respect by the reviewing courts.—When a finding of
probable cause for the issuance of a search warrant is made by a
trial judge, the finding is accorded respect by the reviewing
courts. Here, in issuing the search warrant, Judge Cabochan
sufficiently complied with the requirements set by the
Constitution and the Rules of Court. Therefore, we find nothing
irregular in Judge Cabochan’s issuance of the search warrant.
Judge Cabochan complied with all the procedural and substantive
requirements for the issuance of a search warrant and we are
bound by her finding of probable cause for issuing Search
Warrant No. 4811(12).
PETITION for review on certiorari of the orders of the

Regional Trial Court of Quezon City, Br. 102.
The facts are stated in the opinion of the Court.
Flaminiano, Arroyo and Dueñas for petitioners.
Office of the Solicitor General for respondent.
CARPIO,** J.:

The Case

This is a petition for review on certiorari1 assailing the
(1) Order2 dated 19 November 2012, denying the Urgent
Motion to Quash Search Warrant dated 24 September
2012, and (2) Order3 dated 3 June 2013, denying the
Motion for Reconsideration dated 26 December 2012, of the
Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Quezon City, Branch 102.
The Orders issued by the
_______________
** Designated Acting Chief Justice per Special Order No. 2353 dated
June 2, 2016.
1 Under Rule 45 of the Rules of Court.
2 Rollo, pp. 47-50. Penned by Presiding Judge Ma. Lourdes A. Giron.
3 Id., at pp. 51-54.

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Oebanda vs. People
RTC pertain to Search Warrant No. 4811(12)4 for

violation of Article 172(2) of the Revised Penal Code or the
crime of falsification by private individuals and use of
falsified documents.

The Facts

In a letter dated 6 August 2012, the United States Office
of Inspector General, through Special Agent Daniel
Altman, sought the assistance of the National Bureau of
Investigation (NBI) to investigate alleged financial fraud
committed by Visayan Forum Foundation, Inc. (Visayan
Forum), a non-stock, nonprofit corporation, against the
United States Agency for International Development
(USAID). Visayan Forum was then receiving funding from
USAID which suspected that Visayan Forum was
fabricating documents and official receipts for purchase of
goods and services to justify expenses and advances
covered by USAID funding.
On 29 August 2012, two NBI Agents, Atty. Dennis R.
Villasfer and Atty. Erickson Donn R. Mercado, entered the
premises of Visayan Forum with principal address at No.
18, 12th Avenue, Brgy. Socorro, Cubao, Quezon City. The
NBI Agents represented themselves to be part of the audit
team of B.F. Medina and Company, an independent
external audit firm accredited by USAID and engaged by
Visayan Forum to conduct an audit of its USAID funds.
After gaining entry, the NBI Agents went through boxes,
sifted through documents and photocopied some documents
and receipts.
On 31 August 2012, the NBI Agents, under the
authorization of the NBI Deputy Director for Special
Investigation Service, jointly applied for a search warrant
with the RTC of Quezon City, Branch 98. The NBI Agents
cited violation of Article 172(2) of the Revised Penal
Code5 and alleged that
_______________
4 Id., at pp. 55-56.

5 Art. 172. Falsification by private individual and use of falsified
documents.—The penalty of prisión correccional in its medium

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Oebanda vs. People
petitioners Maria Cecilia Oebanda (Oebanda), the

Executive Director of Visayan Forum, and/or the occupants
and employees of Visayan Forum are in possession or have
in their control falsified private documents which were
used and are being used to defraud the donors of USAID, to
its damage and prejudice.
On the same date, Judge Evelyn Corpus-Cabochan
(Judge Cabochan), the Presiding Judge of RTC of Quezon
City, Branch 98, conducted a hearing on the application for
search warrant. Plaintiff People of the Philippines
presented the following witnesses: (1) Atty. Dennis R.
Villasfer, NBI Agent, Anti-Graft Division; (2) Atty.
Erickson Donn R. Mercado, NBI Agent, Anti-Graft
Division; (3) Maria Analie L. Villacorte (Villacorte), a
former bookkeeper of Visayan Forum; and (4) Celestina M.
Aguilar (Aguilar), an auditor from B.F. Medina and
Company.
After Judge Cabochan personally examined the
applicants, the two NBI Agents, and their witnesses, and
was satisfied of the existence of facts upon which the
application was based, Judge Cabochan issued Search
Warrant No. 4811(12) against Visayan Forum. The
relevant portion of the warrant states:
_______________
and maximum periods and a fine of not more than P5,000 shall be
imposed upon:
1. Any private individual who shall commit any of the
falsifications enumerated in the next preceding article in any public
or official document or letter of exchange or any other kind of
commercial document; and
2. Any person who, to the damage of a third party, or with the
intent to cause such damage, shall in any private document commit
any of the acts of falsification enumerated in the next preceding
article.
Any person who shall knowingly introduce in evidence in any judicial
proceeding or to the damage of another or who, with the intent to cause
such damage, shall use any of the false documents embraced in the next
preceding article, or in any of the foregoing subdivisions of this article,
shall be punished by the penalty next lower in degree.

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You are hereby commanded to make an immediate

search in the day time of the premises above
described and forthwith seize and take possession of
the following personal property:
a) Following Books of Accounts and records
covering periods from 2005-2011: General Ledger,
Subsidiary Ledger on Advances from Employees,
Bank Statements, Reconciliation Statements, Cash
Disbursement Books, Check Vouchers, Journal
Vouchers, Daily Time Records, Service Contract of all
Employees, Service Contracts of all Contractors billed
to the USAID Port Project, Fund Accountability
Statements;
b) Desktops and Laptops of the Finance Manager,
Finance Officer, Bookkeeper and Administration
Officer;
c) Unused preprinted Official Receipts, Official
Receipts and Petty Cash Vouchers which can be
bought from bookstore, VFFI Cash Vouchers and
Stationeries;
and bring said property to the undersigned to be
dealt with as the law directs.
This Search Warrant should be valid for ten (10)
days from date of issuance.6

In the afternoon of 31 August 2012, the NBI
implemented the search warrant against Visayan Forum
and seized more than 30 boxes of documents, as well as the
computers of the finance manager, finance officer, and
administration officer.
On 24 September 2012, petitioners filed an Urgent
Motion7 to Quash the Search Warrant on the ground of
lack of probable cause to issue the search warrant.
In an Order dated 19 November 2012, Presiding Judge
Ma. Lourdes A. Giron of the RTC of Quezon City, Branch
102, denied the motion. Judge Cabochan of RTC of Quezon
City, Branch 98, who originally issued the search warrant,
inhibited herself from the case.
_______________
6 Rollo, p. 56.
7 Id., at pp. 57-68.
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Oebanda vs. People
On 26 December 2012, petitioners filed a motion for

reconsideration. This was denied in an Order dated 3 June
2013.
Hence, this petition.

The Issue

The main issue is whether the RTC committed
reversible error in finding that probable cause exists to
issue Search Warrant No. 4811(12).

The Ruling of the Court

The petition lacks merit.
At the outset, this petition was filed under Rule 45 of
the Rules of Court which is limited to questions of law. For
a question to be one of law, it must not involve an
examination of the probative value of the evidence
presented by the litigants or any of them.
In Microsoft Corporation v. Maxicorp, Inc.,8 we held that
the pivotal issue of whether there was probable cause to
issue the search warrant is a question of fact. In the
present case, the resolution of this issue would require this
Court to inquire into the probative value of the evidence
presented before the RTC. Petitioners have raised an
argument that requires us to make an examination of the
transcript of stenographic notes taken during the search
warrant proceedings. This is exactly the situation which
Section 1, Rule 45 of the Rules of Court prohibits by
requiring the petition to raise only questions of law.
Because this Court is not a trier of facts, a
reexamination of factual findings cannot be done through a
petition for review on certiorari under Rule 45 of the Rules
of Court. This Court is not duty-bound to analyze and
weigh again the evi-
_______________
8 481 Phil. 550; 438 SCRA 224 (2004).

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Oebanda vs. People
dence considered in the RTC.9 Further, this case does

not fall under any of the exceptions10 laid down in the
Rules.
However, in order to put finis to this case, we will
discuss and go through the issues submitted by petitioners.
On whether the judge asked probing

and exhaustive questions

Petitioners submit that the judge who issued the search
warrant did not sufficiently ask probing, exhaustive, and
extensive questions. Petitioners insist that the judge must
not simply rehash the contents of the affidavits but must
make her own extensive inquiry on the intent and
justification of the application.
In an application for search warrant, the mandate of the
judge is for him to conduct a full and searching
examination of the complainant and the witnesses he may
produce. The searching questions propounded to the
applicant and the
_______________
9 Diokno v. Cacdac, 553 Phil. 405; 526 SCRA 440 (2007).

10 See Uy v. Villanueva, 553 Phil. 69; 526 SCRA 73 (2007).
Rule 45 of the Rules of Court provides that only questions of law shall
be raised in an appeal by certiorari before this Court. This rule, however,
admits of certain exceptions: (1) when the findings are grounded entirely
on speculations, surmises, or conjectures; (2) when the inference made is
manifestly mistaken, absurd, or impossible; (3) when there is a grave
abuse of discretion; (4) when the judgment is based on misappreciation of
facts; (5) when the findings of fact are conflicting; (6) when in making its
findings, the same are contrary to the admissions of both appellant and
appellee; (7) when the findings are contrary to those of the trial court; (8)
when the findings are conclusions without citation of specific evidence on
which they are based; (9) when the facts set forth in the petition as well as
in the petitioner’s main and reply briefs are not disputed by the
respondent; and (10) when the findings of fact are premised on the
supposed absence of evidence and contradicted by the evidence on record.


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Oebanda vs. People
witnesses must depend on a large extent upon the

discretion of the judge. Although there is no hard-and-fast
rule as to how a judge may conduct his examination, it is
axiomatic that the said examination must be probing and
exhaustive and not merely routinary, general, peripheral or
perfunctory. He must make his own inquiry on the intent
and factual and legal justifications for a search warrant.
The questions should not merely be repetitious of the
averments stated in the affidavits/deposition of the
applicant and the witnesses.11
In the present case, the Transcript of Stenographic
Notes,12 comprised of 72 pages which was taken during the
hearing, shows that Judge Cabochan extensively
interrogated the two NBI Agents who applied for the
search warrant. By representing themselves to be part of
the audit team of B.F. Medina and Company, the two NBI
Agents were able to freely enter and move around Visayan
Forum’s premises. There, the NBI Agents were able to
sufficiently observe the layout of the office buildings, the
location of relevant documents and equipment, and the
movement of the employees. Most importantly, the NBI
Agents were able to distinctly describe the alleged wrongful
acts that Visayan Forum committed and was committing at
that time. The relevant portions of NBI Agent Villasfer’s
testimony state:

Atty. Villasfer: Your Honor, this document is the
Joint Application for Search Warrant which I
executed together with agent Atty. Erickson Donn R.
Mercado. Your Honor, last August 29, 2012 at around
10:00 o’clock in the morning we conducted a
Surveillance together with the auditors from BF
Medina. Atty. Erickson Mercado and I posed as one of
the staff of the auditing firm and went to the subject
area and we acted as auditors and we personally
observed the documents and the rooms in the
buildings and we saw the other documents and
_______________
11 People v. De los Reyes, 484 Phil. 271; 430 SCRA 166 (2004).
12 Rollo, pp. 86-157.

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unused receipts fabricated by the VFFI, Your

Honor.
x x x x
Court: When you went to the premises
which you wanted to be searched at No. 18, 12th
Avenue, Brgy. Socorro, Cubao, Quezon City,
what have you seen or what have you observed?
Atty. Villasfer: Your Honor, when we
conducted the auditing, we saw from the
documents presented to us located at the
building, at the back of the compound because
there are two (2) buildings, Your Honor. At the
ground floor, we saw the altered
documents. These are receipts being
altered and fabricated for purposes of their
audit being conducted by the B.F. Medina
and Company. Furthermore, we went there to
verify the information given by the witnesses.

x x x x
Court: What other things have you seen
when you went there at the subject premises?
Atty. Villasfer: Official Receipts, Your
Honor, Books of Account and records covering
period from 2005 to 2011; General Ledger,
Subsidiary Ledger on Advances from Employees,
Bank Statements, Reconciliation Statements,
Cash Disbursement Books, Cash Vouchers,
Journal Vouchers, Daily Time Records, Service
Contract of all Employees, Service Contracts of
all Contractors billed to the USAID Port Project,
Fund Accountability Statements, Desktops and
Laptops of the Finance Manager, Finance
Officer, Bookkeepers and Administrative Officer,
unused preprinted Official Receipts, Official
Receipts and Petty Cash Vouchers which can be
bought from bookstores, VFFI Cash Vouchers
and Stationeries, Your Honor.
Court: Earlier, you said that you have

access to the folders?
Atty. Villasfer: Yes, Your Honor.

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Oebanda vs. People
Court: Please clarify. Were you able to

really examine one by one all these things, that’s
why you were able to identify?
Atty. Villasfer: Yes, Your Honor. We
opened the boxes and examined the
folders, and we personally verified and
[saw] the Official Receipts, altered
documents are there, Your
13
Honor. (Emphasis supplied)

The other applicant, NBI Agent Mercado, corroborated
NBI Agent Villasfer’s testimony and explained what he had
observed from the surveillance. The relevant portions of his
testimony provide:
x x x x
Court: Earlier you heard your co-applicant
Atty. Villasfer testified, what can you say about
his testimony?
Atty. Mercado: Yes, Your Honor, I
confirmed the truthfulness of the statements
being made by my co-applicant and in addition,
Your Honor, in the course of our surveillance
and investigation, we also have a chance to
photocopy these receipts, these documents from
VFFI and we were able also to make a sketch of
the place, particularly Agent Villasfer together
with our one witness, they were able to go to the
second, third floors of both buildings. In our
application, we have the attached sketch of the
building, Your Honor. And, in addition, Your
Honor, I also observed the demeanor of the
people there, elusive/evasive because we posed
as members or staff of the auditing company, we
can freely loiter around without being detected
that we are NBI Agents. We are aware that the
people there will not question us considering
that they are familiar with new faces since the

auditors bring with them staff, their OJTs when
they go there. So in that case, we can freely
access all possible rooms where these documents
_______________
13 Id., at pp. 90, 92-93, 95-96.

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Oebanda vs. People
subject of this Application for Search Warrant

are kept.14

The records also show that the NBI Agents’ two
witnesses, Villacorte and Aguilar, submitted their
respective affidavits and were subjected to the same
probing questioning by the trial judge. The testimony of
Villacorte states:

x x x x
Court: Do you affirm and confirm that you have
voluntarily executed your Affidavit without fear or
pressure from anyone?
Ms. Villacorte: Yes, Your Honor.
Court: Now, you tell me how did you become a
witness here?
Ms. Villacorte: Because I do not want to become a
part of the crime because I might get involve, Your
Honor.
Court: Why, what did you do?
Ms. Villacorte: I resigned from the Visayan
Forum last July 15, 2012, Your Honor.
Court: How were the NBI Agents able to get in
touch with you in order to utilize you as a witness
now?
Ms. Villacorte: Because at the time of the audit,
the auditors came to know me because I was still
there, Your Honor.
Court: Why did they single you out, why not any
other employee or employees?
Ms. Villacorte: Because I was the bookkeeper of

USAID, Your Honor.
Court: How many bookkeepers are there in your
office, if you know?
Ms. Villacorte: The bookkeepers are one of our
project bases, Your Honor, and, I was the one
handling the USAID department, Your Honor.
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14 Id., at pp. 100-101.

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Oebanda vs. People
x x x x
Court: x x x. Those preprinted receipts the
applicants want now to be seized, where are those
said receipts?
Ms. Villacorte: In the locker, Your Honor.
Court: You are sure about that?
Ms. Villacorte: We have not used it yet and the[y]
were left, and that is what they will use just in case
there were remaining unliquidated accounts, Your
Honor.
Court: What you did was you used those booklets
to cover for the other expenses of the VFFI?
x x x x
Court: And where are those unused receipts?
Ms. Villacorte: Before the auditors came, we
placed those unused receipts in the boxes.
Court: Including those partially used receipts in a
booklet?
Ms. Villacorte: Yes, Your Honor, x x x.
x x x x
Court: As of the date of the application for the
Search Warrant you were no longer connected with
the VFFI?
Court: By the way, all these documents stated by
the other witness Ms. Aguilar regarding the things
that were asked by Mrs. Oebanda about the
preprinted receipts, booklets, et cetera, pertaining to

questions and answers numbers 23 to 27 of your
Sinumpaang Salaysay quoted as follows:
“23. T: Bakit kayo ipinatawag ni Mrs. Oebanda
kung natatandaan mo?
S: Sinabi ngapo niya sa amin na may mga auditors
na darating para i-audit ang USAID fund. Nagbigay
po sya ng instruction na kailangan punuan ng mga
resibo an[g] mga unliquidated na cash advances.”

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“24. T: Anong ibig kahulugan ng punuan ng resibo?

S: Ibig pong sabihin ay maghanap o gumawa po
kami ng resibo at pagkatapos ay gagawa[n] din po
namin ng liquidation report at iyon naman ang i-
attach namin sa mga vouchers.”
“25. T: Ginawa nyo ba naman ang inuutos ni Mrs.
Oebanda?
S: Opo.”
“26. T: Alam mo ba na ito ay mali?
S: Alam ko po na ito ay mali.”
“27. T: Bakit ginawa mo pa din?
S: Dahil sa takot ko na ako po ay mawalan ng
trabaho kapag hindi ako sumunod.”
where are those documents as stated in your
Sinumpaang Salaysay which you accomplished or
fabricated upon the orders of Mrs. Oebanda?
Ms. Villacorte: Those were the documents we
presented to the auditors, Your Honor.15

Aguilar, one of the auditors that was with the NBI
Agents when Visayan Forum was audited, gave a more
detailed picture of the fraud indicators which she had
observed in the course of her audit of Visayan Forum. The
relevant portions provide:
x x x x
Court: Earlier, the two applicants here for Search
Warrant stated that when they entered the premises
to be searched, they said that they posed as auditors
of your company?
Ms. Aguilar: Yes, Your Honor.
Court: And according to them, you Mrs. Aguilar

were with them when they entered the premises, will
you confirm that?
Ms. Aguilar: Yes, Your Honor. I confirm that and
also my father, the managing partner of our firm was
with us, Mr. Benjamin F. Medina.
_______________
15 Id., at pp. 114-115, 151-152, 155-157.

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Oebanda vs. People
Court: And also everything they have stated

about the sketch of the building and that you are also
very much aware of the setup of that building one and
building two?
Ms. Aguilar: Yes, Your Honor, but on that day,
Atty. Dennis came with me to inspect the various
floors of the two buildings. I just made an alibi that
it’s part of our audit procedures.
Court: And you also confirm the fact that based
on the sketches that are attached now to the
application for Search Warrant, will you confirm that
it is also of your own personal knowledge that those
properties listed in their application for Search
Warrant under paragraph 2, sub-paragraphs (a), (b),
and (c) were really found within the subject premises
as shown from the marked sketches?
Court: The reason for this is because you were
one of the companions of Atty. Villasfer when you
went to the subject premises?
Ms. Aguilar: Yes, Your Honor. And I was also
the one who showed to both of them the altered
receipts and invoices and also the other
documents relating to our audit findings.
x x x x
Court: Those things were not covered by your
Affidavit, Mrs. Aguilar. Do you confirm now what
Atty. Villasfer manifested a while ago?
Ms. Aguilar: Yes, Your Honor. Actually, it is

included in my Affidavit as one of our audit
findings because one of our audit findings [is]
alterations of receipts and invoices. I think it is
number ten (10) or eleven (11), Your Honor. And I
showed to the applicants some of the
photocopied vouchers that we notice[d] that
were altered because, Your Honor, this
organization, we had the entrance conference [i]n
January of this year. Based on routine audits, they
will be given two weeks to prepare for us, but they
allow[ed] us

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to start the audit only in April. So there were

delays in the audit, Your Honor.
Court: It was supposed to be [i]n January 2012
but you were allowed only when?
Ms. Aguilar: April 18, 2012, Your Honor, to be
exact. On that date, on April 18, there were still some
missing documents that we already requested [from]
them during our entrance conference, Your
Honor. And, we observed that while we were
conducting our audit field work, they were also
doing manufacturing of documents. We clearly
observed many documents that were altered
during our audit and I have some examples of
photocopie[d] documents. x x x. Your Honor, this
NGO, they received grants from USAID, not only
from USAID, but from other donor agencies, twelve to
be exact including the USAID. What they do is, they
received grants and these grants are supposed to help
traffic victims which they have in their different
regional offices. However, we validated the
authenticity of the number of the actual beneficiaries
from third party confirmations. We need
confirmation with DSWD and we noted that
based on their record and their reports to the
DSWD, there were various
inconsistencies. Many, I just included maybe two
(2) of the inconsistencies in the number. And also we
validated with the USAID. The report that they
submitted to the USAID, there were also

inconsistencies. x x x x. So, as auditors, these are
indicators of fraud. x x x.
Court: What were these documents which you
discovered: the books of Books of Accounts, Ledgers,
et cetera, as listed in the application?
Court: Will you explain further?
Ms. Aguilar: The thirty-two boxes for the check
vouchers and journal vouchers were there, Your
Honor[.] [W]hen we went back on Wednesday, August
29,

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Oebanda vs. People
2012, [h]owever, there [were] five (5) to six (6) boxes

which [were] missing already.
Court: Missing?
Ms. Aguilar: Yes, Your Honor. And, these boxes
we initially audited them during our first month of
field work. So what we did, I am curious as an auditor
where those documents are. x x x.
Court: Which are already missing?
Ms. Aguilar: Yes, Your Honor. And, I have also
suspicions, Your Honor, of preprinted booklets
because there are various preprinted booklets of
original receipts which the company used, they are
non-existing anymore. They just used the company
name and the address and they had it printed by the
printing press, their favored printing press and they
used it as a sort of justification for their expenditures.
But, as auditors, we are trying to se[e] whether they
are valid or not. So, I am also suspecting that [they
are] hiding these documents.
Court: Why did you have suspicions?
Ms. Aguilar: Because, of course, if they had it
preprinted, they wouldn’t show it to us.
Court: What about those other documents, which
you suspected were already missing at the time when
you went back to make an audit of these accounts or
the existing ledgers?
Ms. Aguilar: Because during our field work
sometime in June, when we audit, there are schedules
from 10:00 to 5:00. We come home then we go there

the following day, we noticed that there were ballpens
left on a table and when we check[ed] the
vouchers, most of them they tampered [them]
already or they removed something and they
changed [them] to [other] document[s]. So what
we did, we taped the boxes and I signed them to seal
them. Those were audited already, that’s what we did.
Then I counted it and I knew that five to six boxes
were missing because initially, [there were] thirty-
eight (38) boxes. But, thirty-two (32) [were] only left
when we came back that June.

641
VOL. 792, JUNE 8, 2016 641

Oebanda vs. People
x x x x
Court: Well, that was just your suspicion.
Ms. Aguilar: Yes, just like what I’ve said, Your
Honor, these are indicators of fraud and
indicators of their intentions to conceal or
destroy all incriminating evidence.
x x x x
Ms. Aguilar: x x x. And also we want to secure
the computers because the data that [were] presented
to us, attached to [these] documents inside the boxes,
they are computer printed.
Court: That’s why you wanted also to get all
those computers and the laptops.
Ms. Aguilar: Yes, Your Honor because during
the course of our audit, they changed the
figures and dates and sometimes the names of
the employees if it is cash advance.16 (Emphasis
supplied)

Clearly, the records show that Judge Cabochan
personally examined NBI Agents Villasfer and Mercado,
the applicants for the search warrant, as well as their
witnesses, Villacorte and Aguilar. The interrogations
conducted by the trial judge showed that the applicants
and their witnesses had personal knowledge of the offense
petitioners committed or were then committing. The judge
properly asked how the applicants came to know of the
falsification, where it was committed, what was involved,
the extent of their participation, and what they have seen

and observed inside Visayan Forum’s premises. We believe
that the questions propounded on them were searching and
probing. The trial judge made an independent assessment
of the evidence submitted and concluded that the evidence
adduced and the testimonies of the witnesses support a
finding of probable cause which warranted the issuance
_______________
16 Id., at pp. 124-126, 129-135, 137, 141.

642

Oebanda vs. People
of a search warrant for violation of Article 172(2) of the

Revised Penal Code.
Absent a showing to the contrary, it is presumed that a
judicial function has been regularly performed.17 The judge
has the prerogative to give his own judgment on the
application of the search warrant by his own evaluation of
the evidence presented before him. We cannot substitute
our own judgment to that of the judge.
On whether there was probable

cause to issue the search warrant

A search warrant is an order in writing issued in the
name of the People of the Philippines, signed by a judge
and directed to a peace officer, commanding him to search
for personal property described therein and bring it before
the court.18 The relevant provisions on the issuance of a
search warrant for personal property, as governed by Rule
126 of the Rules of Court, state:

Section 4. Requisites for issuing search warrant.—A
search warrant shall not issue except upon probable cause
in connection with one specific offense to be determined
personally by the judge after examination under oath or
affirmation of the complainant and the witnesses he may
produce, and particularly describing the place to be
searched and the things to be seized which may be
anywhere in the Philippines.
_______________
17 Section 3, Rule 131 of the Rules of Court:

Section 3. Disputable presumptions.—The following presumptions are
satisfactory if uncontradicted, but may be contradicted and overcome by
other evidence:
x x x x
(m) That official duty has been regularly performed.
x x x x
18 Section 1, Rule 126 of the Rules of Court.

643
VOL. 792, JUNE 8, 2016 643

Oebanda vs. People
Section 5. Examination of complainant; record.—

The judge must, before issuing the warrant,
personally examine in the form of searching questions
and answers, in writing and under oath, the
complainant and the witnesses he may produce on
facts personally known to them and attach to the
record their sworn statements, together with the
affidavits submitted.
Section 6. Issuance and form of search warrant.—If
the judge is satisfied of the existence of facts upon
which the application is based or that there is
probable cause to believe that they exist, he shall
issue the warrant, which must be substantially in the
form prescribed by these Rules.

To paraphrase this rule, a search warrant may be issued
only if there is probable cause in connection with a specific
offense alleged in an application based on the personal
knowledge of the applicant and his witnesses. This is the
substantive requirement for the issuance of a search
warrant. Procedurally, the determination of probable cause
is a personal task of the judge before whom the application
for search warrant is filed, as he has to examine the
applicant and his or her witnesses in the form of “searching
questions and answers” in writing and under oath. The
warrant, if issued, must particularly describe the place to
be searched and the things to be seized.19
In the issuance of a search warrant, probable cause
requires such facts and circumstances which would lead a
reasonably discrete and prudent man to believe that an

offense has been committed and that the objects sought in
connection with the offense are in the place sought to be
searched.20 In People v. Punzalan,21 we held that there is
no exact test for
_______________
19 Coca-Cola Bottlers, Phils., Inc. (CCBPI) v. Gomez, 591 Phil. 642;

571 SCRA 18 (2008).a
20 Santos v. Pryce Gases, Inc., 563 Phil. 781; 538 SCRA 474 (2007).
21 G.R. No. 199087, 11 November 2015, 774 SCRA 653.

643
VOL. 792, JUNE 8, 2016 643

Oebanda vs. People
the determination of probable cause in the issuance of

search warrants. It is a matter wholly dependent on the
finding of trial judges in the process of exercising their
judicial function.
Here, the records show that the applicants for the search
warrant and their witnesses were able to sufficiently
convince the judge of the existence of probable cause based
on their own personal knowledge, or what they have
actually seen and observed, in Visayan Forum’s premises.
The NBI Agents related to the RTC how they entered
Visayan Forum, in the guise of representing themselves as
part of the audit team of B.F. Medina and Company. The
NBI Agents personally saw that Visayan Forum’s
employees and occupants altered and fabricated documents
and official receipts covered by USAID funding. They even
photocopied some documents and receipts proving such
fabrication. Also, the NBI Agents were able to particularly
describe Visayan Forum’s premises, exactly locating the
place to be searched with sketches of the buildings and
various floors and rooms. Further, they described in great
detail the things that were seized — documents, receipts,
books of account and records, and computers used by
Visayan Forum’s employees.
Likewise, the NBI Agents’ witnesses, Villacorte and
Aguilar, were able to substantiate the statements and
allegations of the NBI Agents by testifying on what they
have personally seen and experienced while working in
Visayan Forum, and how they came to know that fraud was
being perpetrated by the company. Thus, the applicants’
and their witnesses’ testimonies, together with the
affidavits they presented, are adequate proof to establish
that there exists probable cause to issue the search
warrant for violation of Article 172(2) of the Revised Penal
Code.
In Century Chinese Medicine Co. v. People,22 we held
that the determination of probable cause does not call for
the application of rules and standards of proof that a
judgment of
_______________
22 720 Phil. 795; 709 SCRA 177 (2013).

645
VOL. 792, JUNE 8, 2016 645

Oebanda vs. People
conviction requires after trial on the merits. As implied

by the words themselves, “probable cause” is concerned
with probability, not absolute or even moral certainty. The
prosecution need not present at this stage proof beyond
reasonable doubt.
When a finding of probable cause for the issuance of a
search warrant is made by a trial judge, the finding is
accorded respect by the reviewing courts. Here, in issuing
the search warrant, Judge Cabochan sufficiently complied
with the requirements set by the Constitution23 and the
Rules of Court.24 Therefore, we find nothing irregular in
Judge Cabochan’s issuance of the search warrant. Judge
Cabochan complied with all the procedural and substantive
requirements for the issuance of a search warrant and we
are bound by her finding of probable cause for issuing
Search Warrant No. 4811(12).
WHEREFORE, the petition is DENIED. The Orders
dated 19 November 2012 and 3 June 2013 of the Regional
Trial Court of Quezon City, Branch 102 are AFFIRMED.
The validity of Search Warrant No. 4811(12)
is SUSTAINED.
SO ORDERED.
Del Castillo, Mendoza and Leonen, JJ., concur.
Brion, J., On Official Leave.
Petition denied, orders affirmed.
_______________
23 Section 2, Article III, Bill of Rights states:

Section 2. The right of the people to be secure in their persons,
houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures of
whatever nature and for any purpose shall be inviolable, and no search
warrant or warrant of arrest shall issue except upon probable cause to be
determined personally by the judge after examination under oath or
affirmation of the complainant and the witnesses he may produce, and
particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things
to be seized.
24 Section 4, Rule 126 of the Rules of Court.

646

Oebanda vs. People
Notes.—The requirement that the search warrant be

issued in the name of the People of the Philippines is
imposed by Section 1, Rule 126 of the Rules of Court. (Te
vs. Breva, 765 SCRA 40 [2015])
Every search warrant is applied for and issued by and
under the authority of the State, regardless of who initiates
its application or causes its issuance. (Id.)

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11/20/2020 SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED VOLUME 792

G.R. No. 208137. June 8, 2016.*

Constitutional Law; Criminal Procedure; Search Warrants;

624 SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED

gument that requires us to make an examination of the

of the Rules of Court prohibits by requiring the petition to raise

VOL. 792, JUNE 8, 2016 625

judge has the prerogative to give his own judgment on the

626 SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED

Same; Same; Same; When a finding of probable cause for the

PETITION for review on certiorari of the orders of the

VOL. 792, JUNE 8, 2016 627

RTC pertain to Search Warrant No. 4811(12)4 for

4 Id., at pp. 55-56.

628 SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED

Oebanda vs. People

petitioners Maria Cecilia Oebanda (Oebanda), the

VOL. 792, JUNE 8, 2016 629

You are hereby commanded to make an immediate

630 SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED

On 26 December 2012, petitioners filed a motion for

8 481 Phil. 550; 438 SCRA 224 (2004).

VOL. 792, JUNE 8, 2016 631

dence considered in the RTC.9 Further, this case does

On whether the judge asked probing

9 Diokno v. Cacdac, 553 Phil. 405; 526 SCRA 440 (2007).

632 SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED

witnesses must depend on a large extent upon the

12 Rollo, pp. 86-157.

VOL. 792, JUNE 8, 2016 633

unused receipts fabricated by the VFFI, Your

Court: Earlier, you said that you have

634 SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED

Court: Please clarify. Were you able to

that they are familiar with new faces since the

13 Id., at pp. 90, 92-93, 95-96.

VOL. 792, JUNE 8, 2016 635

subject of this Application for Search Warrant

Ms. Villacorte: Because I was the bookkeeper of

14 Id., at pp. 100-101.

636 SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED

preprinted receipts, booklets, et cetera, pertaining to

VOL. 792, JUNE 8, 2016 637

“24. T: Anong ibig kahulugan ng punuan ng resibo?

Court: And according to them, you Mrs. Aguilar

15 Id., at pp. 114-115, 151-152, 155-157.

638 SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED

Court: And also everything they have stated

Ms. Aguilar: Yes, Your Honor. Actually, it is

VOL. 792, JUNE 8, 2016 639

to start the audit only in April. So there were

submitted to the USAID, there were also

640 SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED

2012, [h]owever, there [were] five (5) to six (6) boxes

from 10:00 to 5:00. We come home then we go there

VOL. 792, JUNE 8, 2016 641

the extent of their participation, and what they have seen

16 Id., at pp. 124-126, 129-135, 137, 141.

642 SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED