CIVIL PROCEDURE: SPRINGFIELD DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION VS. PRESIDING JUDGE (Jurisprudence)

G.R. No. 142628                      February 6, 2007

PRINCIPLE OF JUDICIAL HIERARCHY

The Supreme Court, as a rule, will not entertain direct resort to it unless the redress desired cannot be obtained in the appropriate courts, and exceptional and compelling circumstances, such as cases of national interest and of serious implications, justify the availment of the extraordinary remedy of writ of certiorari, prohibition, or mandamus calling for the exercise of its primary jurisdiction. Moreover, 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.