Can MTC Decide Accion Publiciana? Yes!

The Metropolitan or Municipal Trial Courts can now assume jurisdiction over accion publiciana cases. Under BP 129, the plenary action of accion publiciana must be brought before the regional trial courts (Bernardo vs. Heirs of Villegas; G.R. No. 183357). However, with the modifications introduced by RA 7691, the jurisdiction of the RTC has been limited to real actions where the assessed value exceeds P20,000 or P50,000 if the action is filed in Metro Manila. If the assessed value is below the said amounts, the action must be brought before the first level courts (BF Citiland Corp. vs. Otake; G.R. No. 173351).