Marianette P. Moaje v. Jessalyn Lentejas

Summary

This Supreme Court case involves procedural issues in small claims litigation. Respondent Lentejas filed a money claim against petitioner Moaje in the Municipal Trial Court of Romblon. The MTC granted the claim and disregarded Moaje's defenses because she failed to attach supporting documents to her Response as required under the Revised Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases. Moaje's belated motion for reconsideration was denied by the RTC, which ruled the MTC decision had acquired finality. The Supreme Court denied Moaje's petition for review, emphasizing the doctrine of immutability of judgment and affirming that the issue raised was factual in nature, inappropriate for Rule 45 proceedings. The case reinforces strict compliance with procedural rules in small claims cases and the finality of judgments principle.