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Question
PLAINTIFF, a natural-born Filipino heir, files in the Municipal Trial Court (MTC) a civil action for reconveyance of a parcel of land and damages. The land is titled in DEFENDANT’s name. The action seeks to cancel the deed and reconvey the land in favor of PLAINTIFF and to recover damages. The amount in controversy is within the MTC’s monetary jurisdiction. DEFENDANT moves to dismiss on the ground that the MTC lacks subject-matter jurisdiction to adjudicate questions involving land titles and ownership. (a) Identify the controlling rule on dismissing actions for lack of subject-matter jurisdiction. (b) Apply the rule to the facts: should the MTC grant the motion? If yes, what is the proper disposition and what remedies are available to the plaintiff? If no, what other relief could be pursued? (c) If the action is dismissed for lack of jurisdiction, can the plaintiff refile in the proper court, and what would that process look like? Explain your answers concisely.