Title
Supreme Court
Chong vs. Dela Cruz
Case
G.R. No. 184948
Decision Date
Jul 21, 2009
Petitioners challenged DOJ orders via certiorari; SC dismissed due to procedural lapses, hierarchy of courts violation, and lack of merit.

Case Summary (G.R. No. 184948)

Procedural Background

The Petitioners assailed the Joint Orders issued by the Department of Justice on September 29, 2008, which denied their motions for postponement and motion to remand in four Inquest Cases. The Supreme Court previously dismissed the petition for certiorari due to the lack of merit and failure to comply with procedural requirements, particularly regarding the statement of material dates and submission of legible duplicate documents.

Judicial Discretion and Extraordinary Remedies

The Court reiterated that a petition for certiorari is considered an extraordinary remedy that demands strict compliance with procedural rules. The failure to adhere to these rules may not be dismissed as mere technicalities, and the decision to grant or deny a petition for certiorari rests solely within the discretion of the court.

Hierarchy of Courts and Jurisdiction

The Court emphasized the principle of the hierarchy of courts, stating that petitioners failed to seek relief from the appropriate appellate court, effectively bypassing the Court of Appeals. The essential function of the Supreme Court as a court of last resort requires that lower courts must be approached first, except in cases where special reasons warrant direct recourse to the Supreme Court.

Rationalization of the Decision and Legal Standards

In this instance, the Court found that the issues raised by the Petitioners pertained to matters within the normal scope of an appeal and were not subjects amenable to resolution via an extraordinary writ. The jurisdiction of the Court of Appeals to review decisions made by the Se

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