Case Summary (G.R. No. L-26829)
Background of the Case
In August 1966, Conrado G. Genilo called for bids for the supply of school equipment. Both Mendoza and Samson submitted bids, with Mendoza's bid being lower, leading to the award of the contract to him. Following this, Mendoza proceeded with the supply of the equipment. However, Samson later filed a petition for an injunction claiming the bidding process was fraudulent and issued a request to restrain any further delivery of equipment and disbursement of payment from school funds.
Jurisdiction Issue
On November 2, 1966, the respondent Judge of the Court of First Instance of Rizal issued an ex parte preliminary injunction favoring Samson. Mendoza and Genilo countered that the Court lacked jurisdiction over acts occurring in Pangasinan, as these acts were not being conducted within the territorial jurisdiction of the Caloocan City court. Their subsequent urgent motion to lift the injunction was denied by the respondent Judge.
Development of the Legal Proceedings
Respondents then filed a petition to quash the injunction order due to the jurisdictional challenge. In their response, Samson acknowledged the jurisdictional issue but indicated a desire to dismiss the original Civil Case No. 878, making the case moot. Nonetheless, Mendoza's claims for damages resulting from the injunction were still pending, which included actual damages and attorney's fees.
Claims for Damages
Mendoza filed a reply asserting damages resulting from Samson's obstruction, which Samson contested by denying the basis for Mendoza's claims and indicating that issues surrounding damages were tied to ongoing litigation in a separate case that Samson initiated in Pangasinan concerning similar matters.
Resolution of the Petition
The Court addressed the jurisdictional aspect, affirming that the respondent Judge indeed lacked jurisdiction over the injunction as it related to acts outside the territorial limits of their court. Consequently, the Court found that Mendoza's motion had become moot following Samson's request for dismissal of the initial case. It emphasized that claims for damag
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Case Information
- Citation: 183 Phil. 386
- Division: Second Division
- G.R. No.: L-26829
- Date of Decision: December 27, 1979
- Parties Involved:
- Petitioners: Gonzalo B. Mendoza (doing business under "Gonzalo B. Mendoza & Sons") and Conrado G. Genilo (Division Superintendent of Schools for Pangasinan)
- Respondents: Hon. Fernando A. Cruz (Presiding Judge of the Court of First Instance of Caloocan City) and Restituto H. Samson, Jr. (doing business under "Glo-Zen Suppliers")
Background of the Case
- On August 5, 1966, Conrado G. Genilo issued a notice to contractors requesting sealed proposals for school equipment including desks, tables, and chairs.
- Both Gonzalo B. Mendoza and Restituto H. Samson, Jr. submitted bids, with Mendoza's bid being the lowest.
- Following the award of the contract to Mendoza, he began nearly completing the delivery of the school equipment by the end of October 1966.
Initiation of Legal Action
- On November 2, 1966, Restituto H. Samson, Jr. filed a petition for an injunction with the Court of First Instance of Rizal, Caloocan City, which was docketed as Civil Case No. C-878.
- This petition sought to restrain Mendoza from further deliveries and Genilo from making payments for the equipment, alleging that the bidding process was a fraudulent scheme designed to harm the government.
- An ex parte writ of preliminary injunction was issued by the respondent Judge