G.R. No. L-11073; May 30, 1958
HEIRS OF MELECIO ARCEO, claimants-appellees, vs. ANDRES E. VARELA, claimant-appellant.

FACTS

This is an appeal from a decision of the Court of First Instance of Batangas in Cadastral Case No. 50, G.L.R.O. Record No. 1820. The lower court adjudged and decreed the registration of Lot No. 14076 of the Batangas Cadastre in the name of the claimants, the Heirs of Melecio Arceo. The total assessed value of the land and its improvements is P1,640.00. The appellant, Andres E. Varela, assigned errors contending that the trial court erred in: (1) holding that ownership was proved by a prior decision in civil case No. 4001 (affirmed in G.R. No. L-3052); (2) holding that the appellees’ possession and ownership were proved by their evidence; and (3) not crediting the appellant’s evidence and not decreeing the lot to him.

ISSUE

Whether the Supreme Court has jurisdiction over the direct appeal, considering the value of the subject matter and the nature of the errors raised.

RULING

The Supreme Court ruled that it does not have jurisdiction over the direct appeal. The value of the subject matter is less than P50,000.00, and the assignment of errors raises questions of fact. Therefore, under Section 31 of the Judiciary Act of 1948, as amended, the appeal falls within the exclusive appellate jurisdiction of the Court of Appeals. Consequently, the Supreme Court ordered the appeal certified to the Court of Appeals for decision and disposition in accordance with law.