Republic of the Philippines Thru the Department of Public Works v. Court of Appeals

Summary

The Republic through DPWH sought to consolidate a civil collection case filed by Navotas Industrial Corporation for unpaid dredging work with related criminal cases for graft and falsification filed with the Sandiganbayan. The Supreme Court denied consolidation, ruling that the Sandiganbayan lacks jurisdiction over collection cases and that such consolidation would violate rules against counterclaims in criminal proceedings. The Court ordered suspension of the civil case until termination of the criminal cases, finding that the civil action was based on contracts allegedly illegal under the Anti-Graft Act, making independent prosecution inappropriate. This decision clarifies jurisdictional boundaries between specialized courts and emphasizes that consolidation requires proper jurisdiction over all cases involved.