GR 46286; (October, 1977) (Digest)
G.R. No. L-46286. October 28, 1977.
JOSEPH ONG, substituted as representative of the late ONG CU, petitioner, vs. HON. MIDPANTAO ADIL and JOSEFINA S. LAUREANO, respondents.
FACTS
The petitioner, Joseph Ong, representing the late Ong Cu, sought to annul via certiorari the decision dated February 1, 1977, and a subsequent order dated May 13, 1977, issued by the Court of First Instance of Iloilo in Civil Case No. 10370. The assailed order denied the petitioner’s motion for reconsideration and granted the private respondent Josefina S. Laureano’s motion for immediate execution of the judgment. The respondents, in their comment, argued that the lower court’s decision had attained finality, was rendered without grave abuse of discretion, and was consistent with a prior Supreme Court ruling in a related case.
ISSUE
The principal issue for the Court’s resolution was whether the petition for certiorari should be granted, thereby nullifying the lower court’s decision and order for immediate execution.
RULING
The Supreme Court dismissed the case with prejudice based on a supervening event that rendered the petition moot and academic. Before the Court could deliberate on the merits of the certiorari petition, the petitioner filed a motion to dismiss the case, citing that the parties had entered into a Compromise Agreement. This motion was duly conformed to by the private respondent through her counsel’s signature indicating “no objection.” The legal logic is grounded in the fundamental judicial policy of encouraging amicable settlements and respecting party autonomy in the disposition of their case. When parties voluntarily enter into a compromise to settle their dispute, it terminates the litigation. The Court, recognizing this agreement between the parties, no longer needed to adjudicate the alleged errors or abuse of discretion by the lower court. The compromise effectively superseded the contested decision and order, removing any actual controversy for the Court to resolve. Consequently, the petition was dismissed with prejudice, meaning the matter is settled conclusively and cannot be refiled, and without costs.