Practice question
A special tribunal's statute covers only a defined category of disputes. The parties bring a different category and jointly ask it to assume authority for convenience. No law grants that authority. May their agreement alone supply subject-matter jurisdiction?
- Yes, agreement overrides the statute.
- Yes, if both parties are represented.
- No; the statutory scope cannot be enlarged solely by consent.
- Yes, if the tribunal promises a fair outcome.
- No, because the tribunal cannot hear even its authorized category.
Legal references
- Galang v Wallis, G.R. No. 223434, July 3, 2019, main decision, general and special jurisdiction (not historical monetary thresholds): https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2019/jul2019/gr_223434_2019.html
- SEC v Bonifacio, G.R. Nos. 198425, 201174 and 244462, January 30, 2024, en banc main decision, material allegations and relief: https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2024/jan2024/gr_198425_2024.html
- People v Mendez, G.R. Nos. 208310–11 and 208662, March 28, 2023, en banc MAIN decision, adherence and exceptional jurisdictional estoppel: https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/1/69095
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