SPRINGFIELD DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, INC. and HEIRS OF PETRA CAPISTRANO PIIT, vs. JUDGE OF REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL

 SPRINGFIELD DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, INC. and HEIRS OF PETRA CAPISTRANO PIIT,  vs.

 JUDGE OF REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL

                                            

Facts: This petition for review on certiorari under Rule 45 of the Rules of Court. The principal issue presented for resolution is whether the Regional Trial Court (RTC) has jurisdiction to annul final judgment of the Department of Agrarian Reform Adjudication Board (DARAB). Petra Capistrano Piit and Springfield owned a lot which the DAR placed it as a property under the coverage of RA. 6657 (CARP).  After DARAB gave due course to the Notice of Coverage,  Springfield and the heirs of Piit (petitioners) filed with the RTC of Cagayan de Oro City,  a petition for annulment of the DARAB Decision and all its subsequent proceedings. The RTC issued an Order dismissed the case for lack of jurisdiction.

Issue: Whether or not the RTC has jurisdiction over DARAB decisions?

Held: It was held that given that DARAB decisions are appealable to the CA, the inevitable conclusion is that the DARAB is a co-equal body with the RTC and its decisions are beyond the RTC's control. Therefore, the RTC cannot annul the DARAB decision.