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Question

C. Jurisdiction of the Philippine Courts (B.P. Blg. 129, as amended) - 3. Second-Level Courts - B.P. Blg. 129 as amended by R.A. No. 7691, R.A. No. 11576 and R.A. No. 8369, A.M. No. 22-04-06-SC, A.M. No. 03-03-03-SC, November 9, 2021

Consider the following scenarios and answer the questions based on the applicable laws:

1. Antonio filed a complaint for collection of a sum of money against Bernardo, with the amount involved totaling Php 3,000,000. The Regional Trial Court (RTC) dismissed the case for lack of jurisdiction, stating that the RTC only has jurisdiction over cases involving amounts exceeding Php 2,000,000. Is the RTC correct in dismissing the case? Explain your answer.
2. Christine filed a petition for the issuance of a writ of habeas corpus before the Municipal Trial Court (MTC). The MTC denied the petition for lack of jurisdiction, stating that the MTC does not have jurisdiction over habeas corpus cases. Is the MTC correct in denying the petition? Explain your answer.
3. Daniel, a taxpayer, filed a petition for declaratory relief before the Metropolitan Trial Court (MeTC) seeking the declaration of the unconstitutionality of a tax law. The MeTC dismissed the petition for lack of jurisdiction, stating that only the RTC has jurisdiction to hear petitions for declaratory relief. Is the MeTC correct in dismissing the petition? Explain your answer.

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Answer