In Jhon Kenneth M. Porto, Chennie Ann Rose Elca, and Jomar Jonhedel B. Bruto v. Grant Institute of Trade & Technology, Inc., the Supreme Court held that the failure to comply with procedural requirements, such as paying docket fees and providing correct addresses, can lead to the dismissal of a case, regardless of the merits of the substantive claims. This ruling underscores the importance of adhering to procedural rules in pursuing legal remedies. Petitioners’ failure to comply with multiple procedural rules proved fatal to their cause.

Accusations of Fraudulent Education: Did the Court of Appeals Err in Dismissing Estafa Charges Based on Procedural Grounds?

The case revolves around accusations of estafa against Grant Institute of Trade & Technology (GITT) for allegedly offering a Cruise Ship Management Course without the required authorization from the Technical Education & Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Several complainants, including Jhon Kenneth M. Porto, Chennie Ann Rose Elca, and Jomar Jonhedel B. Bruto (petitioners), filed consolidated complaints alleging that they enrolled in and completed the course, only to discover later that GITT lacked the necessary permits. The Office of the City Prosecutor (OCP) initially found probable cause to indict GITT’s Board of Directors for estafa. However, the Office of the Regional Prosecutor (ORP) reversed this decision, leading the complainants to seek recourse through a Petition for Certiorari with the Court of Appeals (CA).

The CA dismissed the Petition for Certiorari based on multiple procedural deficiencies, including the failure to pay docket fees, lack of proper verification and certification against forum shopping, incorrect addresses, and failure to furnish the ORP with copies of the petition. Petitioners argued that the CA erred in prioritizing procedural technicalities over the substantive issue of GITT’s alleged fraudulent conduct. They claimed that the ORP had gravely abused its discretion in reversing the OCP’s indictment. At the heart of the legal battle was the question of whether the CA correctly dismissed the case based on these procedural lapses, or whether it should have addressed the underlying allegations of estafa.

The Supreme Court (SC) upheld the CA’s initial dismissal based on procedural grounds, emphasizing the importance of strict compliance with court rules. The SC noted that the petitioners failed to provide correct addresses in their petition, a mandatory requirement under Section 3, Rule 46 of the Rules of Court. The Court also found that the COVID-19 pandemic did not excuse the petitioners’ failure to pay the required docket fees, as the courts were operational during the relevant period. The SC pointed out that petitioners’ counsel could have taken steps to ensure timely payment, such as using postal money orders or personally filing the petition and paying the fees at the CA premises. In addition, the SC agreed with the CA’s assessment that the petition lacked a proper signature page and verification, rendering it a mere scrap of paper.

The Supreme Court addressed the CA’s additional ground for dismissal—the alleged failure to exhaust administrative remedies. While the CA argued that the petitioners should have appealed to the Secretary of Justice before seeking judicial relief, the SC clarified that this step was no longer required under Department of Justice (DOJ) Department Circular No. 70-A. This circular delegates the authority to Regional State Prosecutors to resolve appeals in cases cognizable by first-level trial courts. The SC emphasized that, because the alleged estafa involved amounts falling within the jurisdiction of first-level courts, the ORP’s decision was final and no further appeal to the Secretary of Justice was necessary. The court cited Cariaga v. Sapigao, reiterating the appellate process hinges on where the complaint was filed and the court with original jurisdiction over the case.

The significance of Republic Act No. 10951, which adjusted the amounts for penalties under the Revised Penal Code, became a focal point in determining jurisdiction. The SC clarified that, based on the amended amounts, the alleged estafa committed by GITT fell within the jurisdiction of the first-level trial courts. This determination was crucial because it affected the proper appellate process that the petitioners should have followed. The SC underscored that the total amount allegedly defrauded from the complainants was P756,000.00—well within the jurisdiction of the first-level trial courts. Therefore, the CA was incorrect in its assertion that cases of estafa were beyond the jurisdiction of these courts.

The Supreme Court’s decision highlights the fundamental principle that procedural rules are not mere technicalities; they are essential for the orderly and efficient administration of justice. The Court acknowledged that the CA erred in its interpretation of the administrative remedies available to the petitioners. However, it affirmed the dismissal of the case based on the initial procedural deficiencies, which were deemed fatal to the petition. The ruling serves as a cautionary tale for litigants, emphasizing the importance of meticulously adhering to all procedural requirements when seeking legal redress. Ignorance of or non-compliance with these rules can have dire consequences, regardless of the merits of the underlying claims.

Building on this principle, the Court’s decision reinforces the idea that parties seeking judicial intervention must first demonstrate diligence and compliance with the established rules of procedure. The Court underscored that it could not excuse the petitioners’ negligence, particularly when the procedural deficiencies related to the CA’s jurisdiction over the case. Moreover, the ruling underscores that while the courts may, in some instances, relax procedural rules in the interest of substantial justice, such leniency is not warranted when there is a pattern of non-compliance and a failure to provide valid justifications for the lapses. The SC emphasized that it would not apply liberality where a party had ample opportunity to comply with procedural requirements, especially those that are jurisdictional in nature.

The Court’s decision underscores a crucial balance. It reiterates the principle that while substantive justice is paramount, procedural rules cannot be ignored. These rules exist to ensure fairness, order, and efficiency in the judicial process. They are not mere technicalities, but essential mechanisms for upholding the integrity of the system. The Court thus reiterated that procedural rules are in place to guarantee fairness, order, and predictability in legal proceedings.

FAQs

What was the key issue in this case?	The key issue was whether the Court of Appeals (CA) erred in dismissing the Petition for Certiorari based on procedural deficiencies, or whether it should have addressed the underlying allegations of estafa against Grant Institute of Trade & Technology, Inc.
What procedural deficiencies did the petitioners commit?	The petitioners failed to pay the requisite docket fees, did not attach a proper verification and certification against forum shopping, provided incorrect addresses, failed to furnish the ORP with copies of the petition, and had a petition that lacked a proper signature page.
Why did the Supreme Court uphold the dismissal?	The Supreme Court held that the procedural deficiencies were fatal to the petition, as they related to the CA’s jurisdiction and demonstrated a lack of diligence on the part of the petitioners. The SC emphasized the importance of strict compliance with court rules.
Did the COVID-19 pandemic excuse the petitioners’ non-compliance?	No, the Court stated that the COVID-19 pandemic did not excuse the failure to pay docket fees, as the courts were operational and alternative methods of payment were available.
What is the significance of DOJ Department Circular No. 70-A?	DOJ Department Circular No. 70-A delegates the authority to Regional State Prosecutors to resolve appeals in cases cognizable by first-level trial courts, making their decisions final and removing the need to appeal to the Secretary of Justice.
How did Republic Act No. 10951 affect the jurisdiction in this case?	Republic Act No. 10951 adjusted the amounts for penalties under the Revised Penal Code, which placed the alleged estafa within the jurisdiction of first-level trial courts, based on the amounts involved.
What was the total amount allegedly defrauded from the complainants?	The total amount allegedly defrauded from the seven complainants was P756,000.00, which falls within the jurisdiction of the first-level trial courts.
What is the main takeaway from this case?	The main takeaway is that strict compliance with procedural rules is essential in pursuing legal remedies, and failure to comply can result in the dismissal of a case, regardless of the merits of the underlying claims.

The Supreme Court’s decision serves as a critical reminder that adherence to procedural rules is paramount in the pursuit of justice. While substantive claims are essential, they cannot be addressed if the proper procedural steps are not followed. This case underscores the necessity of diligence and meticulous compliance with court rules to ensure that a case is heard on its merits.

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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: Jhon Kenneth M. Porto, et al. vs. Grant Institute of Trade & Technology, Inc., G.R. No. 257446, October 12, 2022