FACTS:

Respondent, San-an Realty and Development Corporation, owns a building in Baguio City and petitioner, Vangie Barrazona, has been leasing portions of the building. Petitioner defaulted in the payment of the monthly rentals and respondent filed a Complaint for Collection of Sum of Money with Damages. Petitioner filed a Motion to Dismiss, arguing that the complaint is actually an ejectment case within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Municipal Trial Court (MTC).

ISSUES:

1. Whether the RTC has jurisdiction over the complaint; 2) Whether the order denying the motion to dismiss violates the Constitution; and 3) Whether petitioner should have filed a motion for reconsideration before resorting to certiorari.

RULING:

1. The petition is granted. The RTC acted with grave abuse of discretion in denying the motion to dismiss. The court held that the allegations in the complaint clearly show that it is an ejectment case within the jurisdiction of the MTC. The court also ruled that the order denying the motion to dismiss should have stated clearly and distinctly the reasons for the dismissal, as required by the Rules of Civil Procedure. Finally, the court held that petitioner was not required to file a motion for reconsideration before resorting to certiorari, given the exceptional circumstances of the case. The RTC's order was annulled and set aside.