Question

Jurisdiction Question: G. Jurisdiction vs. Exercise of Jurisdiction

1. In an international commercial dispute, Company A, a foreign corporation, entered into a contract with Company B, a Philippine corporation, for the construction of a major infrastructure project in the Philippines. A dispute arose between the parties regarding the completion and quality of the project. Company B filed a complaint for breach of contract before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Quezon City, asserting that the contract contained a provision stating that any dispute between the parties shall be resolved by the courts of the Philippines. The RTC issued a decision in favor of Company B.

a. What type of jurisdiction does the RTC of Quezon City have over the dispute between Company A and Company B?

b. Discuss the concept of exercise of jurisdiction in relation to the RTC's issuance of the decision in favor of Company B.

2. Maria, a resident of Cebu, filed a petition for the declaration of nullity of her marriage with Juan before the Metropolitan Trial Court (MeTC) of Cebu City. The MeTC conducted proceedings and subsequently rendered a decision declaring the marriage between Maria and Juan null and void ab initio. Juan, who is a resident of Manila, wants to appeal the decision.

a. Can Juan question the jurisdiction of the MeTC of Cebu City over the petition for declaration of nullity of marriage?

b. What are the options available to Juan for questioning the jurisdiction of the MeTC of Cebu City over the case? Discuss.