Asiatic Petroleum vs.

Co Quico
69 Phil. 433, G.R. No. 46529, 23 January 1940

FACTS:
Co Quico is an agent of Asiatic Petroleum for whom he should sell the latter's products
and make a proper accounting. Co Quico was in default of P2,123 and left for China.
Petitioner filed a case, summons by publication was made and no appearance from Co
Quico, declared in default

Co's counsel made special appearance (solely to contest the validity of the proceedings
- no jurisdiction over the person of the defendant)

ISSUE: WON the Court acquired Jurisdiction over the defendnat

RULING:
THE COURT RULED IN THE AFFIRMATIVE. All property w/n a state is subject to the
jurisdiction of its courts, and they have the right to: adjudicate title thereto, Enforce liens
thereupon, Subject it to the payment of the debts of its owner whether residents or not.

Although Co Quico was in China when action instituted against him, his property were
found and located in RP and was w/n jurisdiction of the courts