Question

Angelica filed a complaint for specific performance against Benjamin before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Manila, seeking to compel him to deliver a condominium unit worth ₱3,500,000 based on a contract to sell. In his answer, Benjamin asserted two counterclaims: (1) a compulsory counterclaim for attorney's fees and litigation expenses amounting to ₱800,000; and (2) a permissive counterclaim for damages arising from Angelica's breach of a separate loan agreement in the amount of ₱1,800,000. Benjamin paid the required filing fees for the permissive counterclaim. Subsequently, Angelica filed a motion to dismiss Benjamin's permissive counterclaim, arguing that the RTC has no jurisdiction over it since the amount does not exceed ₱2,000,000, which falls within the exclusive original jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Trial Court under R.A. No. 11576. Is Angelica's motion to dismiss meritorious? Explain your answer. (Bar 2026 Syllabus)

0/1500
5:00
Skip