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Question

Jurisdiction of the Philippine Courts (B.P. Blg. 129, as amended)
Topic: Inherent Powers and Means to Carry Jurisdiction - Rule 135, secs. 5-6

Scenario 1:

A civil case involving a dispute over a land property between two individuals is currently pending before a Regional Trial Court (RTC). During the proceedings, it is discovered that one of the parties committed a fraudulent act by submitting falsified documents as evidence. The opposing party immediately filed a motion to dismiss the case based on this ground.

a) In light of this situation, discuss whether the RTC has the inherent power to dismiss the case and what specific provision of the law supports this power.

Scenario 2:

A criminal case for robbery, where the accused is a notorious gang leader, is being heard by the Metropolitan Trial Court (MeTC). The trial has been ongoing for several months, but the prosecution encountered difficulties in presenting their witnesses due to intimidation and threats from the accused and his gang members.

b) Given this scenario, explain if the MeTC has the inherent power to provide witness protection and what steps can be taken to ensure the safety and security of the witnesses.

Scenario 3:

A family dispute over inheritance has reached the Court of Appeals (CA) on appeal from a decision of the RTC. The parties involved in the case are engaged in constant bickering and disruptive behavior during the hearings, making it difficult for the CA justices to conduct a fair and orderly proceeding. The CA justices are now considering whether they have the inherent power to impose disciplinary measures on the unruly parties.

c) Analyze whether the CA has the inherent power to impose disciplinary measures on the parties involved in the case and provide an explanation based on the applicable provision of the law.

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Answer