FACTS:
Petitioners, Interlink Movie Houses, Inc. and Edmer Lim, filed a complaint before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) against respondents, Expressions Stationery Shop, Inc. and Joseph Lim Bon Huan, seeking the recovery of unpaid rentals and damages resulting from their alleged breach of a lease contract. The Sheriff's Return stated that the summons and complaint were served on the respondents through a certain Jonalyn Liwanan. However, the motion to declare respondents in default was denied by the RTC, which found that the service of summons was defective. The RTC then ordered the issuance and service of new summonses. The second service of summonses was made through Amee Ochotorina, who introduced herself as one of the secretaries of Bon Huan. Respondents again claimed that the service was defective. The RTC granted the motion to declare defendants in default and proceeded with an ex parte presentation of evidence. The RTC ruled in favor of the petitioners, but the Court of Appeals (CA) annulled the RTC decision, holding that the second service of summonses was defective and that the RTC did not acquire jurisdiction over the respondents. The CA ordered the issuance of new summonses and directed the Branch Sheriff to serve the same in a valid and effective manner. Petitioners filed a petition for review on certiorari before the Supreme Court, challenging the CA ruling on the issue of jurisdiction.