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Leonarda Monsanto vs Jesus & Teresita Zerna & C.A.

LEONARDA L. MONSANTO, petitioner, vs. JESUS AND TERESITA ZERNA AND COURT OF APPEALS, respondents.

G.R. No. 142501 | 2001-12-07

D E C I S I O N

PANGANIBAN, J.:

The filing of a criminal action carries with it the civil liability arising from the offense. However, the trial court cannot adjudge civil matters that are beyond its competence and powers. Thus, while a court may have authority to pass upon the criminal liability of the accused, it cannot make any civil awards that relate to the agrarian relationship of the parties because this matter is beyond its jurisdiction.

Statement of the Case

Before us is a Petition for Review under Rule 45 of the Rules of Court, assailing the January 12, 2000 Decision[1] and the March 16, 2000 Resolution[2] of the Court of...