Case Summary (G.R. No. 249080)
Case Background
The case began when PERA-Multipurpose Cooperative granted Nacionales a loan of P67,700.00 on July 13, 2017, with a repayment period of 24 months at an interest rate of 24% per annum. Nacionales defaulted on the payment and, as of March 29, 2019, owed P49,436.46, which included interest, penalties, and attorney's fees. Following an unheeded demand for payment from the Cooperative, a small claims action was initiated to recover the owed amount and filing fees.
Procedural Developments
Despite being properly summoned and notified of the claims, Nacionales did not respond to the court, resulting in both parties appearing before the court on July 3, 2019. On that date, a hearing was held, and the court issued a decision partly granting the Cooperative's claims, ordering Nacionales to pay P36,647.00 in principal and P7,447.00 in interest.
Petitioner's Claims and Arguments
Nacionales filed a petition for certiorari and mandamus, alleging various grievances against the decision rendered by Judge Solde-Annogui. He argued that the repayment schedule violated the Truth in Lending Act and contended that the computation of interest constituted a fraudulent scheme. Additionally, Nacionales claimed that he was denied due process, asserting that the Judge was not present during the hearing and that his due process rights were violated due to her absence.
Respondents’ Responses
In her comment, Judge Solde-Annogui maintained that the computation did not render the loan agreement void, asserting that the terms of the loan were clear and understood by Nacionales. She denied claims of denying due process, stating that she was present during the proceedings and proceeded with the case after Nacionales allegedly left the hearing. The Cooperative echoed these points, emphasizing the procedural missteps made by Nacionales in filing his petition directly with the Supreme Court without going through the Regional Trial Court (RTC).
Legal Considerations and Court Findings
The petition was dismissed primarily due to a violation of the hierarchy of courts, as per Section 24 of the Revised Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases, which states that decisions from MCTCs are final and non-appealable. While the policy allows for petitions for certior
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 249080)
Case Background
- The case originates from a Petition for Certiorari and Mandamus with Prayer for Damages under Rule 65 of the Rules of Court.
- The petition seeks to nullify the Decision dated July 3, 2019, from the 3rd Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC) of Nabunturan-Mawab-Montevista, Compostela Valley.
- The respondent in the case is PERA Multipurpose Cooperative, represented by Jay C. Bonghanoy, while the petitioner is David Nacionales.
Facts of the Case
- On July 13, 2017, PERA Multipurpose Cooperative granted a loan of P67,700.00 to the petitioner, with an interest rate of 24% per annum, payable within 24 months.
- Petitioner defaulted on the loan, accruing an outstanding obligation of P49,436.46 as of March 29, 2019, which included interest, penalties, and attorney's fees.
- Following an unheeded demand for payment, the respondent filed a small claims action for collection of the outstanding amount, plus a reimbursement of the P2,715.00 filing fee.
- Petitioner received the summons and Statement of Claim but did not respond.
Court Proceedings
- On July 3, 2019, both parties appeared in court but did not reach a settlement.
- The court proceeded with the hearing and subsequently partially granted the respondent's claim.
- The dispositive portion of the court's decision ordered the petitioner to pay P36,647.00 as principal and P7,447.00 as interest, plus additional interest of