FRANCISCO I.
CHAVEZ, petitioner, vs. PUBLIC ESTATES AUTHORITY and AMARI COASTAL BAY
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, respondents. [G.R. No. 133250. July 9, 2002].
“x x x.
Second issue: whether the petition merits dismissal
for failing to observe the principle governing the hierarchy of courts.
PEA and AMARI claim petitioner ignored the judicial
hierarchy by seeking relief directly from the Court. The principle of hierarchy
of courts applies generally to cases involving
factual questions. As it is not a trier of facts, the Court cannot
entertain cases involving factual issues. The instant case, however, raises constitutional issues of transcendental
importance to the public.[i] The Court can resolve this case without determining any factual issue
related to the case. Also, the instant case is a petition for mandamus
which falls under the original jurisdiction of the Court under
Section 5, Article VIII of the Constitution. We resolve to exercise primary
jurisdiction over the instant case.
X x x.”
