Case Summary (G.R. No. 138758)
Introduction to Legal Proceedings
William P. Chan filed a petition for certiorari under Rule 65 of the Rules of Court to annul the decision of the Court of Appeals of December 23, 1998, which allowed the Geronimos' appeal. Determined by the need to recover a “success fee” of PHP 2,060,000.00, Chan's complaint in the Regional Trial Court of Makati was prompted by the Geronimos' failure to pay as agreed upon in their contract.
Trial Court Decision
On December 11, 1997, the Regional Trial Court ruled in favor of Chan, ordering the Geronimos to pay the success fee along with interest and attorney’s fees. In response, the Geronimos filed a Notice of Appeal in January 1998, but did not pay the requisite legal fees, leading Chan to file a manifestation highlighting their non-compliance.
Denial of Appeal
Before February 18, 1998, the trial court issued an order denying the Geronimos’ appeal due to their failure to pay the appropriate appellate court fees, thereby rejecting their motion for reconsideration. The Geronimos subsequently sought a review from the Court of Appeals.
Court of Appeals Ruling
On December 23, 1998, the Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the Geronimos, stating that the payment of appellate docket fees to the lower court was non-mandatory based on prior jurisprudence. Thus, it granted their petition, setting aside the trial court’s orders.
Petition for Reconsideration
Chan filed a Motion for Reconsideration against the appellate court’s decision, contending that it wrongly interpreted the applicable rules due to changes introduced by the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure, which supplanted previous rules.
Supreme Court Decision
The Supreme Court found merit in Chan's petition, emphasizing that the Court of Appeals erred in applying obsolete rules.
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 138758)
Case Background
- The case involves a petition for certiorari under Rule 65, seeking to annul the Decision of the Court of Appeals dated December 23, 1998.
- The petitioner, William P. Chan, contests the appellate court's ruling that allowed the appeal of private respondents, Mario and Gregoria Geronimo, despite their non-compliance with procedural requirements regarding payment of appellate fees.
Facts of the Case
- On August 16, 1995, Chan entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Geronimos to act as their financial consultant for securing a loan from Banco Filipino.
- The agreed compensation was a "success fee" of 10% of the approved loan amount, which amounted to P2,060,000.00 based on an approved loan of P20,600,000.00.
- Chan assisted the Geronimos in preparing their loan application and obtaining necessary documentation.
- After the loan was granted, the Geronimos failed to pay Chan his success fee despite repeated demands.
Procedural History
- On October 29, 1996, Chan filed a complaint for collection of a sum of money against the Geronimos in the Regional Trial Court of Makati.
- The trial court ruled in favor of Chan on December 11, 1997, ordering the Geronimos to pay the success fee, interest, and attorney's fees.
- The Geronimos filed a Noti