Case Summary (G.R. No. L-1091)
Jurisdictional Issues in Ejectment Cases
- The principal issue in the case revolves around the ownership of a house, which is a matter that falls under the original jurisdiction of the Court of First Instance.
- If the question of possession is contingent upon the determination of ownership, the case should not be heard in the justice of the peace court.
- The justice of the peace court lacks jurisdiction to adjudicate cases involving ownership disputes, necessitating dismissal if such a case is improperly filed there.
Appeal and Original Jurisdiction
- The case was initially filed in the justice of the peace court, where an ejectment suit was brought by Manuel Joaquin against Domingo Cruz and Crescencia Austria.
- The petitioners contended that they were the rightful owners of the property, disputing the claims made by Joaquin regarding his purchase from Eulalio Algoso.
- Upon appeal to the Court of First Instance, the petitioners maintained their defense and did not comply with the rental deposit ordered by the justice of the peace court.
Proceedings in the Justice of the Peace Court
- The justice of the peace court denied the petitioners' motion to dismiss and allowed the respondent to present evidence.
- The court ultimately ruled in favor of Joaquin, ordering the petitioners to vacate the property and pay monthly rent.
- The petitioners' appeal to the Court of First Instance included a request for dismissal based on the lack of jurisdiction of the justice of the peace court.
Court of First Instance's Ruling
- The Court of First Instance overruled the petitioners' opposition regarding jurisdiction and issued an order for execution against them.
- The petitioners subsequently filed a petition for certiorari, seeking to nullify the execution order and the proceedings in the justice of the peace court.
- The petitioners argued that the core issue was ownership, which must be resolved before any possession claims could be adjudicated.