This Supreme Court case affirms that a client is generally bound by the actions of their counsel, even mistakes, during legal proceedings. The decision underscores that failure to attend preliminary conferences can lead to judgments against a party, and that a pending case for annulment of documents does not automatically halt ejectment proceedings. This means property owners can proceed with eviction cases even if the ownership is being challenged separately, and individuals must diligently monitor their legal representatives’ actions to protect their interests.

The Absent Defendant: When a Missed Court Date Leads to Eviction

The case of Remedios M. Mauleon v. Lolina Moran Porter arose from an ejectment complaint filed by Lolina Moran Porter against Remedios M. Mauleon to recover possession of a property in Caloocan City. Porter claimed ownership based on a Deed of Absolute Sale executed by Mauleon and her husband. Despite the sale, Mauleon remained in the property, leading to the ejectment suit when she refused to vacate after repeated demands. Mauleon contested the complaint, citing a pending case for annulment of documents and the failure to include Porter’s husband as a plaintiff. The Metropolitan Trial Court (MeTC) ruled in favor of Porter after Mauleon failed to appear at a preliminary conference.

Mauleon then filed multiple motions, including a reconsideration and suspension of proceedings, which were all denied. Instead of appealing the MeTC decision, Mauleon filed a petition for certiorari with the Regional Trial Court (RTC), arguing that the MeTC decision was issued with grave abuse of discretion. The RTC dismissed the petition, a decision that was later upheld by the Court of Appeals (CA). The CA emphasized that the certiorari petition was an inappropriate substitute for an appeal and that the MeTC had jurisdiction over the ejectment case. Dissatisfied, Mauleon elevated the case to the Supreme Court, questioning the CA’s decision.

The Supreme Court addressed whether the CA erred in upholding the dismissal of Mauleon’s certiorari petition. It affirmed the CA’s decision, clarifying that while a certiorari petition was a proper remedy to question the execution order, no grave abuse of discretion was committed by the MeTC. The Court highlighted the importance of attending preliminary conferences and adhering to procedural rules, particularly those outlined in the Rules on Summary Procedure. Section 6 and 7 of the Rules on Summary Procedure are clear in their mandate:

SEC. 6. Effect of failure to answer. – Should the defendant fail to answer the complaint within the period above provided, the court, motu proprio, or on motion of the plaintiff, shall render judgment as may be warranted by the facts alleged in the complaint and limited to what is prayed for therein: Provided, however, That the court may in its discretion reduce the amount of damages and attorney’s fees claimed for being excessive or otherwise unconscionable. This is without prejudice to the applicability of Section 4, Rule 18 of the Rules of Court, if there are two or more defendants.

SEC. 7. Preliminary conference; appearance of parties. – Not later than thirty (30) days after the last answer is filed, a preliminary conference shall be held. x x x.

x x x x

If a sole defendant shall fail to appear, the plaintiff shall be entitled to judgment in accordance with Section 6 hereof. x x x.

The Court emphasized that the use of “shall” in these provisions makes attendance at preliminary conferences mandatory, excusable only with justifiable cause. Because Mauleon’s counsel filed a motion to postpone the hearing after the MeTC judge had already granted the motion for rendition of judgment, the motion was properly disregarded. The Supreme Court further emphasized that parties cannot assume that their motions will be automatically approved and must take responsibility for ensuring their compliance with court procedures. This ruling underscores the consequences of failing to adhere to mandatory court appearances and timelines.

Building on this principle, the Supreme Court addressed the issue of the motion for postponement, referencing Section 4, Rule 15 of the Rules of Court, which dictates the notice requirements for motions:

SEC. 4. Hearing of motion. — Except for motions which the court may act upon without prejudicing the rights of the adverse party, every written motion shall be set for hearing by the applicant.

Every written motion required to be heard and the notice of the hearing thereof shall be served in such a manner as to ensure its receipt by the other party at least three (3) days before the date of hearing, unless the court for good cause sets the hearing on shorter notice. (Emphasis supplied)

Moreover, the Court held that the pendency of a separate case for annulment of documents did not prevent the execution of the ejectment decision. Ejectment cases focus on the issue of possession de facto, not ownership. As the RTC stated, this case involves the issue of possession. Furthermore, the Supreme Court cited Section 19, Rule 70 of the Rules of Court, which allows immediate execution of judgment in favor of the plaintiff in ejectment cases. It is contingent upon the defendant perfecting an appeal, filing a supersedeas bond, and making periodic deposits for the use of the premises. Failure to comply with these requirements leads to the execution of the judgment as a matter of right.

The Supreme Court further clarified that because Mauleon did not appeal the MeTC Decision, it became final and executory. Once a decision gains finality, it becomes immutable and unalterable, preventing further examination of its merits. The Court cited the case of Ocampo v. Vda. de Fernandez to underscore the importance of finality in judgments:

Nothing is more settled in law than that when a final judgment is executory, it thereby becomes immutable and unalterable. The judgment may no longer be modified in any respect, even if the modification is meant to correct what is perceived to be an erroneous conclusion of fact or law, and regardless of whether the modification is attempted to be made by the court rendering it or by the highest Court of the land. The doctrine is founded on considerations of public policy and sound practice that, at the risk of occasional errors, judgments must become final at some definite point in time.

Consequently, the Supreme Court also addressed the issue of counsel’s negligence, stating that a client is generally bound by the actions of their counsel, even mistakes. The Court acknowledged the exception to this rule, which applies when the counsel’s negligence is so gross, reckless, and inexcusable that the client is deprived of their day in court. It adopted the CA’s findings on this matter.

Ultimately, the Supreme Court denied Mauleon’s petition, affirming the decisions of the Court of Appeals and the Regional Trial Court. The Court lifted the temporary restraining order it had previously issued, thus allowing for the execution of the ejectment order. This decision reinforces the principle that clients are generally bound by the actions of their counsel, and highlights the importance of complying with procedural rules and attending court hearings. It also clarifies that a pending annulment case does not automatically suspend ejectment proceedings, which focus on the right to possess the property.

FAQs

What was the key issue in this case?	The central issue was whether the Court of Appeals erred in upholding the dismissal of Remedios Mauleon’s certiorari petition, which sought to nullify the MeTC’s ejectment decision and its execution order. This hinged on whether the MeTC committed grave abuse of discretion.
Does a pending annulment case stop an ejectment case?	No, a pending case for annulment of documents and reconveyance does not automatically bar an ejectment suit. Ejectment cases focus on possession de facto, while annulment cases concern ownership.
What happens if a party fails to attend a preliminary conference?	Under the Rules on Summary Procedure, if a sole defendant fails to appear at the preliminary conference without justifiable cause, the plaintiff is entitled to a judgment in their favor. This underscores the mandatory nature of attending such conferences.
Is a client responsible for their lawyer’s mistakes?	Generally, yes, a client is bound by the actions and even mistakes of their counsel in procedural matters. An exception exists for gross, reckless, and inexcusable negligence that deprives the client of their day in court, but this was not found to be the case here.
What are the requirements to stay execution of an ejectment judgment?	To stay the execution, the defendant must perfect an appeal, file a supersedeas bond, and make periodic deposits for the use and occupancy of the property during the appeal. Failure to meet these requirements allows immediate execution of the judgment.
What is the significance of a judgment becoming final and executory?	Once a judgment becomes final and executory, it is immutable and unalterable. This means the judgment can no longer be modified, and the prevailing party is entitled to a writ of execution to enforce the judgment.
What rule governs the execution of judgments in ejectment cases?	Section 19, Rule 70 of the Rules of Court governs the immediate execution of judgments in favor of the plaintiff in ejectment cases. It specifies the conditions under which execution can be stayed, primarily through perfecting an appeal and providing adequate security.
Why was the petition for certiorari deemed appropriate in this case?	The petition for certiorari was considered appropriate because it challenged the August 18, 2009 Order, which granted the execution of the MeTC Decision, and an order of execution is generally not appealable under the Rules of Court.

This case provides valuable insights into the binding effect of counsel’s actions and the importance of adhering to procedural rules in court. It reinforces the principle that clients must actively engage in their legal matters and ensure their representatives are diligent in their duties. This ruling safeguards the rights of property owners while setting clear expectations for parties involved in legal disputes.

For inquiries regarding the application of this ruling to specific circumstances, please contact ASG Law through contact or via email at frontdesk@asglawpartners.com.

Disclaimer: This analysis is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified attorney.
Source: REMEDIOS M. MAULEON VS. LOLINA MORAN PORTER, G.R. No. 203288, July 18, 2014