Case Digest (G.R. No. 226098)
Facts:
The case involves two petitions for review on certiorari: G.R. No. 226098 filed by Roberto Bacar and G.R. No. 233817 filed by Vicente Tan. The events leading to the petitions began on August 7, 2008, when Bacar and his brother-in-law, Michael Mercado, filed a petition with the Office of the Provincial Adjudicator of the Department of Agrarian Reform Adjudication Board (DARAB) against Tan for the reinstatement of their tenancy status. This case was docketed as DARAB Case Nos. R-0407-0008 to 0010-08. On October 8, 2008, Bacar was charged with Qualified Theft in the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Puerto Princesa City, alleging that he unlawfully took two sacks of copra valued at PhP 1,400. Bacar entered a plea of "not guilty" during his arraignment on January 22, 2009.
On December 12, 2011, the DARAB ruled in favor of Bacar and Mercado, declaring them as tenants de jure of the landholdings owned by Tan. Following this decision, Bacar filed a Motion to Quash the Infor...
Case Digest (G.R. No. 226098)
Facts:
Background of the Case
Roberto Bacar and Michael Mercado filed a petition before the Department of Agrarian Reform Adjudication Board (DARAB) against Vicente Tan for the reinstatement of their tenancy status, docketed as DARAB Case Nos. R-0407-0008 to 0010-08.
Criminal Charges
On October 8, 2008, Bacar was charged with Qualified Theft before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) for allegedly stealing two sacks of copra from Tan’s coconut plantation. Mercado was similarly charged with Qualified Theft for allegedly stealing one sack of copra.
DARAB Decision
On December 12, 2011, the DARAB declared Bacar and Mercado as tenants de jure of Tan’s landholdings, entitling them to reinstatement and peaceful possession of the land.
Motion to Quash
Bacar and Mercado filed Motions to Quash the criminal charges, arguing that the RTC lacked jurisdiction since the case involved an agrarian dispute, which falls under the exclusive jurisdiction of the DAR.
RTC and CA Decisions
The RTC denied the Motions to Quash, ruling that the criminal charges did not pertain to an agrarian dispute. The Court of Appeals (CA) upheld the RTC’s decision in Bacar’s case but ordered the referral of Mercado’s case to the DARAB.
Issue:
- Whether the RTC has jurisdiction to hear and decide the criminal cases of Qualified Theft filed against Bacar and Mercado, despite the DARAB Decision declaring them as tenants de jure.
Ruling:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Ratio:
- (Subscriber-Only)