MANCHESTER DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, ET AL.

, petitioners,
vs.
COURT OF APPEALS, CITY LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, STEPHEN
ROXAS, ANDREW LUISON, GRACE LUISON and JOSE DE MAISIP,
respondents.
FACTS:
This was originally a case of an action for torts and damages and specific
performance with a prayer for temporary restraining order. The damages were not
specifically stated in the prayer but the body of the complaint assessed a P 78.75 M.
damages suffered by the petitioner. The amount of docket fee paid was only
P410.00. The petitioner then amended the complaint and reduced the damages to
P10 M only.
ISSUES:
When does a court acquire jurisdiction?
Does an amended complaint vest jurisdiction in the court?
HELD:
The court acquires jurisdiction over any case only upon the payment of the
prescribed docket fee. An amendment of the complaint or similar pleading will not
vest jurisdiction in the court, much less the payment of the docket fee based on the
amounts sought in the amended pleading. All complaints, petitions, answers and
other similar pleadings should specify the amount of damages being prayed for.
Damages shall be considered in the assessment of the filing fees in any case.