FACTS:

On February 14, 2011, the petitioners filed a petition for annulment of judgment in the Court of Appeals (CA) to nullify the decision of the Regional Trial Court in Butuan City (RTC) ordering the cancellation of their notice of lis pendens. The CA scheduled a preliminary conference on October 4, 2011, and ordered the parties to file their pre-trial briefs. Instead of filing their pre-trial brief, the petitioners filed a motion for summary judgment and a motion to hold pre-trial in abeyance. On November 16, 2011, the CA dismissed the petition for annulment of judgment due to the petitioners' failure to appear at the preliminary conference and failure to file the pre-trial brief. The petitioners filed a motion for reconsideration, which was denied.

ISSUES:

1. Whether the petition for annulment of judgment should be dismissed for failure to comply with the order to file a pre-trial brief.

RULING:

1. Yes, the petition for annulment of judgment should be dismissed for failure to comply with the order to file a pre-trial brief.

PRINCIPLES:

• Strict compliance with the rules is indispensable for the prevention of needless delays and the promotion of orderly and expeditious dispatch of judicial business.

• Litigation must be prosecuted in accordance with the procedure to ensure an orderly and speedy administration of justice.