Cordova

Summary

This case involves the mandatory requirement of filing a certification against forum shopping under Administrative Circular No. 04-94. Petitioner Maribeth Cordova filed a complaint for breach of contract on April 27, 1994, but failed to attach the required certification, submitting it only on May 3, 1994. The Supreme Court affirmed the dismissal of the case, holding that the certification requirement is mandatory and cannot be cured by subsequent compliance. The Court found that petitioner deliberately omitted the certification because she had a similar pending case, which constituted forum shopping. The Court distinguished this case from Kavinta v. Castillo Jr., finding no special circumstances to justify substantial compliance. The decision reinforces the strict application of procedural rules designed to prevent forum shopping and abuse of court processes.