Question

Scenario 1:

John filed a complaint against XYZ Corporation for breach of contract. The Regional Trial Court (RTC) properly acquired jurisdiction over the case. During the pendency of the proceedings, XYZ Corporation filed a motion to dismiss the case on the ground of lack of jurisdiction, arguing that the dispute should have been referred to arbitration under the contract between the parties. The RTC denied the motion and continued with the trial. XYZ Corporation now claims that the RTC committed grave abuse of discretion in denying the motion to dismiss based on lack of jurisdiction.

Scenario 2:

An administrative case involving Anne, a government employee, was filed before the Civil Service Commission (CSC). After conducting a thorough investigation, the CSC found Anne guilty of misconduct and imposed the penalty of dismissal. Anne appealed the decision to the Court of Appeals (CA), arguing that the CSC committed errors in the exercise of its jurisdiction. However, the CA dismissed the appeal, stating that it does not have appellate jurisdiction over decisions of the CSC.

1. Based on the Doctrine of Adherence to Jurisdiction, can XYZ Corporation successfully argue that the RTC committed grave abuse of discretion in denying its motion to dismiss based on lack of jurisdiction? Explain.
2. Does the Court of Appeals have residual jurisdiction over decisions of the Civil Service Commission? Explain.