Doctrine of 'attachment' of juridiction

Once jurisdiction attaches it cannot be ousted by the happening of subsequent events although of such a character which should have prevented jurisdiction from attaching in the first instance. This rule is known as the doctrine of attachment or adherence of jurisdiction. (Ramos vs. Central Bank of the Philippines; Lee vs. Presiding Judge, MTC of Legaspi City, Br I) In other textbooks, this is also known as the rule on continuing jurisdiction. However, it must be noted that "continuing jurisdiction" is a term that may also be used to refer to the "residual powers" of a court after rendering judgment and while still possessing the records of a case.

Once the court acquires jurisdiction, it may not be ousted by any subsequent law placing jurisdiction in another tribunal, except: [1] when the law itself so provides or [2] the statute is clearly intended to apply to actions pending before its enactment.

Once jurisdiction is acquired, court retains it until the final determination of the case.