G.R. No.

75919 May 7, 1987

MANCHESTER DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, ET AL., petitioners, vs.COURT OF APPEALS, CITY
LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, STEPHEN ROXAS, ANDREWLUISON, GRACE LUISON and JOSE
DE MAISIP, respondents.
FACTS:
This was originally a case of an action for torts and damages and specific performance with a prayer for temporary
restraining order. The damages were not specifically stated in the prayer but the body of the complaint assessed a
P 78.75 M. damages suffered by the petitioner. The amount of docket fee paid was only P410.00. The petitioner then
amended the complaint and reduced the damages to P10 M only.
ISSUES:
When does a court acquire jurisdiction? Does an amended complaint vest jurisdiction in the court?
HELD:
The court acquires jurisdiction over any case only upon the payment of the prescribed docket fee. An amendment of
the complaint or similar pleading will not vest jurisdiction in the court, much less the payment of the docket fee based
on the amounts sought in the amended pleading. All complaints, petitions, answers and other similar pleadings
should specify the amount of damages being prayed for. Damages shall be considered in the assessment of the filing
fees in any case.