Reyes vs. Hon. Sta.

Maria

G.R. No. L-33213 June 29, 1979

FACTS:

Petitioners Artemio and Hilarion Reyes filed an action termed as an action to quiet title against
private respondents Hilaria Santos De Lopez and Pilar Santos before the CFI(now RTC) Bulacan.
They alleged that: (a)They are owners of a lot in Barrio San Sebastian, Hagonoy, Bulacan. (b)
Through their tolerance and goodwill they let the father of private respondents occupy the same
on the condition that instead of paying rent, Santos will just pay the real estate taxes, and would
leave anytime the Reyess demanded them to do so. (c) Feb 1986 When Reyes verbally
demanded Santos to vacate, the latter unreasonably refused and claimed that he has acquired
ownership through purchase of the land from a certain Pablo Aguinaldo.

Santos filed a Motion to Dismiss on the ground that the case is actually one for ejectment or
unlawful detainer which falls in the exclusive jurisdiction of municipal trial courts, and not the
CFI. The CFI through herein respondent, Judge Andres Sta. Maria granted the motion hence, this
petition.

ISSUE:

Whether or not the respondent judge erred in dismissing the case on ground of lack of
jurisdiction

RULING:

Yes. According to the Court, the action is that of an accion publiciana, since it was for recovery
of possession de jure, not merely physical possession which would only be the subject if it was
an ejectment case. Therefore, herein petitioners correctly filed their case for accion publiciana
before the proper court. The court set aside the dismissal issued by respondent judge, and
ordered the respondent court to expedite the proceedings and trial and determination thereof
on the merits.