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Question
Alpha v. Beta. A civil action for quieting of title and restoration of possession over real property is filed in the Municipal Trial Court (MTC) by Alpha against Beta. The action concerns title to land and falls within the exclusive original jurisdiction of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) regardless of the amount involved. Beta did not object to the MTC’s lack of subject-matter jurisdiction and fully participated in the proceedings, including filing an answer and presenting evidence. After trial, the MTC renders judgment in favor of Alpha. Beta then moves for relief, arguing lack of SMJ. (a)Identify the doctrine governing the effect of estoppel on subject-matter jurisdiction. (b)Distinguish the controlling rule on estoppel in this context from the general principle that lack of SMJ cannot be cured by consent. (c)Apply the doctrine to the facts: is Beta barred by estoppel from challenging the MTC’s lack of SMJ, and what is the proper judicial remedy if the court truly lacked SMJ?