Fact:
Jose Pobocan was in the employ of Specified Contractors until his retirement. Pursuant to the alleged oral agreement, Specified Contractors supposedly ceded, assigned and transferred subject units in favor of respondent.
Respondent requested the execution of Deeds of Assignment or Deeds of Sale over the subject units in his favor, unheeded, he filed a Complaint before the RTC of Quezon City praying that petitioners be ordered to execute and deliver the appropriate deeds of conveyance and to pay moral and exemplary damages, as well as attorney’s fees.
The RTC dismissed the action for specific performance filed by respondent Jose A. Pobocan. The CA assailed the decision and resolution.
Issue: Whether or not the RTC had jurisdiction over the respondent’s complaint
Held:
Yes, the RTC has jurisdiction.
Jurisdiction over the subject matter of a case is conferred by law and is determined by the allegations in the complaint and the character of the relief sought, irrespective of whether the plaintiff is entitled to all or some of the claims asserted therein. The respondent correctly designated his complaint as one for specific performance consistent with his allegations and prayer therein. Hence, respondent’s suit is one that is incapable of pecuniary estimation and indeed cognizable by the RTC of Quezon City where both parties reside.
Real LexEcon 